Ethel Marie (Cox) Brooks

Ethel Marie Cox Brooks, 96, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Ethel was born on July 12, 1927 in Cabarrus County to the late John Cox and Ollie Gales Cox. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, J.C. Brooks, daughter, Carol Reid, and eleven siblings.

Ethel loved music and was known for her talent of playing the piano at church for many years. She will be fondly remembered for her ability to bring hope and joy to others thru her music. She never turned anyone down when requested to play at weddings or funerals, earning her the loving nickname of “Big E”. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Big Elm Nursing Center in Kannapolis for the love and care that they provided to Ethel in her final years.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Julie McCarn and Kay Goble; her sister-in-law Hazel Cox, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Whitley’s Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating her life will follow and begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Whitley’s Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.