Vickey Lyn Cox

Vickey Lyn Cox was born in April 1969 to Jean and Bruce Purdy Sr. From a young age, Vickey’s life was marked by curiosity, compassion, strength, and an unshakable love for family. She grew up in East Toledo, where she attended Waite High School, graduating with the Class of 1987. She later continued her education at Owens Technical College.

As a child, Vickey’s talents and enthusiasm were already shining. At just seven years old, she proudly served as Head Majorette of the Tally Ho’s Band at the East Toledo Family Center. Before the age of sixteen, she earned both her Junior Naturalist Badge and Hoosier Ecologist Badge through Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana.Vickey was a lifelong member of Calvary Bible Chapel Church until illness made it impossible for her to attend in person. Her faith, however, never left her.

She pursued certification at Owens Technical College in Automotive Engines and Brakes, working toward becoming an ASE Certified Automotive Technician—an uncommon and impressive path that reflected her determination and love of fixing things.In July of 1990, Vickey Lyn married the love of her life, Tim Cox, whom she met while working during her high school years. Their love story spanned 39 years together and 35 years of marriage, filled with memories, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. Through countless challenges—especially as Vickey bravely battled many illnesses, including cancer—Tim stood faithfully by her side, caring for her with love and strength. Vickey was a fighter and a survivor until the very end.

In January of 1991, Vickey Lyn became a devoted stay-at-home mother to her cherished daughter, Melanie. Being Melanie’s mom was the greatest joy of her life. Vickey poured her heart into teaching Melanie music—singing, piano, recorder, and baton—and supported her endlessly in numerous theater productions.Vickey was immensely proud of her daughter and often said she had “the best daughter ever.” In return, Melanie lovingly helped care for her mother through her many illnesses.Vickey Lyn served her community as a Girl Scout Leader and Head Cookie Mom for four years, a teacher’s helper at school, and a kindergarten computer class assistant. She held certifications in CPR, First Aid, Medical Terminology, and National Weather Service Weather Spotters (both Basic and Advanced).

In September of 2020, Vickey Lyn started her own business as a Color Street stylist and launched Amazingly Awesome Nailz, achieving the rank of Silver Stylist. She was also in the process of creating another business, Creations by Vickey, where she designed her own emojis and digital content for social media and print.Vickey Lyn loved reading, crocheting, sewing, fixing cars, and conducting in-depth research—earning herself the title of “Awesome Research Queen.” She was a devoted animal lover and proud pet mom. Vickey Lyn was Dog Mom to Midnight, Dusky, and Fenrir; Bird Mom to Sprinkles, Sugarbaby, Snowy, and Starry.Vickey Lyn Cox will be deeply missed by her daughter, Melanie Cox (Mark Zavestoski); her husband, Tim Cox; her brother, Bruce Purdy Jr.; and many loving friends, family members, and cousins. 

A special thank you is extended to her dear friends Stephanie Galloway and Ron Austin, who were always there for her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Bruce Purdy Sr.; her sister, Debbie Purdy; her grandmothers Arlene McConnell and Treva Purdy; her grandfather William Purdy; step-grandmother Edith Purdy; great-grandparents Marge and Robert Gauthier; several aunts and uncles; and her dearest friend, Paula Elvey.

A visitation in honor of Vickey will be held on January 10, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, Northwest Toledo, beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding at 11:30 AM. Friends and family are invited to come together to share memories and celebrate Vickey. Following the visitation, Vickey will be laid to rest in a burial service at Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania, at 12:00 PM, where she will continue to inspire love and hope from beyond.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made toward research and cures for the many illnesses Vickey Lyn bravely endured, including cancer, neurological disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.No one should have to suffer as she did.

We need a cure.

Vickey Lyn Cox’s strength, love, and unwavering devotion to family will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.