Noralean Beal Cox

ASHEBORO — Noralean Beal Cox, 101, of Asheboro died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Pastor Mark Wilburn and Rev. Randy Blanton officiating.  Burial will follow at Faith Tabernacle of Praise Cemetery (formerly Giles Chapel UMC Cemetery).

Born on Dec. 23, 1923, in Forsyth County, NC, Noralean was the daughter of the late Bessie Mae Beal Stutts. She retired from Bossong Hosiery and attended Central Wesleyan Church for more than 60 years. Noralean enjoyed gardening, working in her flowers, camping and spending time with her family.

In addition to her mother, Noralean was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Reuben Cox; daughter, Ellen Cox Blanton; son, Billy Joe Cox; sister, Bernice Beal Coble; grandchildren, Bradley Cox and Julie Stickler.    

Surviving are her sons, Eugene Cox (Elizabeth) of Asheboro, Gary Cox (Kathy) of Bennettsville, SC; sister, Lillie Mae Beal Beane of Asheboro; grandchildren, Keith Blanton (Eva), Kim Blanton, Randy Blanton (Gina), Jeffrey Cox, Wanda Sue Wilburn (Mark), Kasey Crotts (Derrick), Erika Mills (Robert); great-grandchildren, Mark Wilburn (Jessica), Emery Crotts (Amber), Maddie Humble (Nick), Brandon Wilburn (April), Madeleine Blanton, Lillian Blanton, Trey Mills, Lauren Mills, Madison Cox, Brian Blanton; and great-great grandchildren, Noah, Skyler, Lynnlee, Neely, Eli, Chase, Bryce, and Mary Ann.

The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203; or to the charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of  Cross Road Retirement Community and Hospice of Randolph to the care given to Noralean.