Elder Virgil Cox

Obituary Virgil Cox, Jr. was the oldest of two sons born to Virgil Cox, Sr, and Eron Cox on August 9th, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Virgil attended elementary and secondary schools at Crispus Attucks school. In high school, he introduced a bible study group for students. At the age of 17, he received Christ as Lord and Savior in his life, becoming the National Pentecostal Assemblies of the World young people’s choir director. He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel at Christ Temple Pentecostal Church in Indianapolis Indiana, known as “the mother church”. At the age of 20, Virgil entered the US Army stationed in Saipan Islands. While in Saipan, he received his calling as a Minister of God. He evangelized to many, bringing many to a saving knowledge of Christ and baptizing them in the Island’s water. In 1945, Virgil was discharged with an honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant from the Army. He went on to attend Butler University and Aenon Bible College in Ohio majoring in religious studies. While in Ohio, Virgil was called to Pastor his first church. In 1963, he had decided to move to San Francisco to Pastor a church there when his car broke down in Kansas City. God knows the plans of man - but He directs their path. Virgil’s intentions were to get his car repaired and travel on to California. But God had different plans for his life. He got a job as a Postal carrier. But in the meanwhile, the person that helped him repair his car was a deacon. After finding out Virgil was a Preacher, the deacon - James Tolbert, who, along with his wife, Martha Tolbert - would eventually become long-time friends of Virgil’s - asked him if he would consider taking over their church since they had just lost their Pastor. Virgil accepted the position of Pastor. The name of the church was Grace Temple on 23rd Agnes, where he would Pastor there for a number of years. As the Lord would have it he met the love of his life during this time, Joe Dell. And on November 1, 1966, Virgil married Joe Dell. To this union, Virgil and Joe Dell joined Joe Dell’s two children - Denita and Christopher, and his children from previous marriages (Virgil, Pamela, Aaron, Tanya, Jerome). They would go on to have two children (Erika and Qiana) together during this union. In 1979, Virgil would eventually start his own church, the Good Shepherd’s Assembly, at 41st Troost. The church later moved to its final destination at 107th Oakland in a building given to him by Pastor Ron Lindsay, blessing Virgil and the members of the Good Shepherd’s Assembly. He remained as Pastor of the Good Shepherd’s Assembly until the age of 80 when he retired from Pastoring, but not from teaching or preaching the Word of God. Some of his powerful sermons included “The Love Letter”, “The Ugly Christ”, and “A Slave of God.” Virgil began fellowshipping with whom he called “the Baptist boys.” He joined the Baptist Minister’s Union where he continued to preach and teach the Word of God. Anybody who knew Virgil knew he loved fellowshipping with the brethren as well as instructing them in love in the ministry. After his retirement,and while in his 80’s, he adopted the Baptist Minister’s Union format and started his own Ministerial Alliance program for the Pentecostal brethren on Saturdays at one of his closest friends, Eld. James Roustic’s church - Abundant Life. His goal for the Ministerial Alliance, as was his goal overall, was to teach, preach God’s word helping others to grow in the Lord. Virgil worked diligently to bridge the gap between the Pentecostal and Baptist denominations, jokingly calling himself “Bapticostal.” He loved the brethren, constantly fellowshipping with them. But he also showed much love to everyone who came across his path. He influenced many, especially ministers of the Gospel, throughout his lifetime. He would go on well until his 90’s preaching and teaching the Word of God, being steadfast and immovable. He preached his last sermon in December 2019 at Greater St. Matthew MBC. Virgil loved the Lord more than anything or anyone else. Although his love was preaching, teaching, and studying the Word of God, and attending church, he loved to skate up until he was in his 80’s. He rode bikes in his 70’s. He was full of energy and affectionately called himself - “the young fella.” Over the years until the moment God took him home, Virgil lived his life for the Lord. He was a serious and true man of God. Without a doubt, we know he has heard, “well done, thy good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” And as Paul said, Virgil can say, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Virgil Cox, Jr was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Cox, Sr.; Mother, Eron Wilson Cox; Brother, Lloyd Cox, Sr.; Sons, Victor and Aaron Cox. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years, Joe Dell; 8 children, Virgil Cox III (Ann), Pamela Heard, Tanya Harris (Timothy), Jerome, Denita Elloie, Christopher Brooks (Kim), Erika Cox, and Qiana Cox - Saxton (Michael). Two honorary children - Granddaughter Kristen Williams (Laron), and Grandson Jevon Williams, a nephew, Lloyd Cox, Jr, and niece, Sandra, a great nephew, Eric Cox, and a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 30, 2021, 1:00pm at Morning Star Baptist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery, LVNKS. Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm at the church. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face coverings are required. Temperature check for all guest(s To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder Virgil Cox, please visit our floral store. Read More

Elder Virgil Cox

August 9, 1923 - April 22, 2021