Billye Cox

(From Parker Mortuary)

Billye A Cox, age 75 of Joplin, MO went to be with the lord and several family members on January 2, 2026 while she slept. As she will be so missed, her family rejoices knowing she was met by loved ones who went before.

Billye was born on December 28, 1950 in Picher, OK to the union of Walter and Helen (Perry) Trimble. She would spend her childhood years in Treece, KS and attend school in Columbus, Kansas. Billye married the love of her life, Jim Cox, on February 28, 1969 in Treece, Kansas. They would welcome four children to their union, Missy, Sandy, Paula and Chris. 

Billye worked as a nursing assistant for many years at local rehab centers and hospitals in the Joplin area. One of Billye’s prized accomplishments was graduating from NEO A&M College in 1996 and becoming a Registered Nurse. Billye worked in the nursery at Freeman Hospital for many years. She retired from Freeman Health System in 2011 due to health reasons. In her retirement, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities, whether it was raining or clear blue skies she made sure to attend every event. When her children were younger you would often find her behind home plate at Blinzler Girls Softball Complex keeping score at softball games and correcting Jim on his calls as he umpired. Her family was her greatest accomplishment. She taught her children and grandchildren the meaning of unconditional love and always believed in them, no matter what. Billye enjoyed relaxing in her camper at local campgrounds and across the U.S. with Jim and her most beloved loyal companion, Sassy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three siblings, Jeniola McDowell, Linda Burch and Randy Trimble.

Billye is survived by her husband, Jim Cox; four children, Missy Erwin and husband, JT, Sandy Herron and husband, Jerry, Paula Bramlett and husband, Scott, and Chris Cox and wife, Lyndi; 12 grandchildren, Randi (Curtis), Dani (Jon), Kevin (Jessica), Cassie, Preston (Megan), Gabby, Braxton, Joey (Marissa), Emily (Hudson), Garrett (Shantel), Zach, Madison (Payne); 13 great-grandchildren, Riley, Rowdy, Ava, Emery, King, Arthur, Landon, Tenzin, Logan, Maverick, Carson, Noah, Wes, and two more on the way, Baby Herron and Baby Cox; two siblings, Kaye Smith (Garry) and Rick Trimble (Janell).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Dan Wermuth II officiating. Interment to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with Kevin Brockman-Herron, Preston Herron, Braxton Herron, Garrett Cox, Zach Cox, and Joey Bramlett serving as pallbearers. Curtis Wald, Jon Pratt, Hudson Thompson, and Payne Sikes are serving as honorary pallbearers.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.