Anna Margaret Abernethy Cox, 67, of Valdese, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Anna was born on March 6, 1955, in Valdese to Helen and John B. Abernethy, Sr. She graduated from Valdese High School in 1973  and attended Western Piedmont Community College in the medical secretary program.

Early in her career, she worked in bookkeeping at Northwestern Bank, Valdese, and First Savings in Hickory.  She was a longtime employee of Brown and Neuwirth Oral and Cosmetic Surgery.  Anna was a member of Valdese First United Methodist Church and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughters, Katherine Lucille Cox and Stephanie Cox Shuffler; sister, Mary Ellen Frye; and brother-in-law, John E. Frye.

Surviving is her husband of 45 years, Stephen Cox; grandson, Connor Gentry; son-in-law, Alan Shuffler; siblings, John Abernethy, Jr. and wife April and Harriet L. Abernethy; and beloved nieces and nephews and Sister-in-Christ, Pam Curry.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 4:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Valdese with Revs. April Abernethy and Jim King officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring at 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658 or Amorem at 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.