Arlyene Cox

Loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the age of 85. Arlyene was born in Dowagiac on November 15, 1932, the daughter of the late Robert MacPherson and Georgia Miller Ashley. She worked as a Teacher's Aide for the Van Buren Intermediate School District, retiring after twenty-three years of service. She was a member of First Congregational Church of Mattawan. She was active in the Mattawan community, serving on the village council and planning commission and planned and organized the Annual Memorial Day Parade for thirty plus years and served on the Mattawan School Board for twenty-four years. Arlyene was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was a proud member of the Mattawan community and graduate of Mattawan High School. Her body of work with the park, school, band and sporting events were her passion. She was the ultimate Mattawan Wildcat. She was married to Dave L. Cox, Sr. on March 20, 1954, who preceded her in death in July of 1983. She is survived by five children, Dave Cox, Jr. of Portage, Lori (Duane) Lamb of Portage, Bob (Joy) Cox of Parchment, Amy Burns of Kalamazoo and Tom (Connie) Cox of Kalamazoo; her daughter-in-law, Anna Cox of Delton; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one sister and one brother, Murvene Wilhite and Tom (Vicki) MacPherson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Cox; and two brothers, Bob and Dick MacPhearson. Cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2018 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Jonathan Lamb. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Mattawan Public Education Foundation, 56720 Murray St., Mattawan, MI 49071. Please visit Arlyene's personalized web page at www.langelands.com to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family.