Mrs. Delray Covington Smith Cox was born on December 1, 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Eller Hinson Covington and Odessa Ingram Covington. She was youngest born of their three daughters. As a child, she joined Shiloh Baptist Church where her parents were members. Delray was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools and graduated from Atkins High School in 1955. She furthered her education at Winston-Salem Teachers College where she earned her degree in Elementary Education.

She retired from Wake Forest University ARAMark Food Service Division after 45 years of employment.

Delray had a strong love of family and friends. She was a founding member of the Family Feud Birthday Club and The Ladies of Distinction Social Club.

Delray married Donald A. Smith who preceded her in death in 1979. Five children were born of their union. She later married the late Ben Cox, Sr.

Mrs. Smith Cox was also preceded in death by her son, Donald Smith, Jr. and her sister, Sarah Patricia Wade.

Mrs. Cox is survived by her children: Rita Ovette Oti, Brian Alphonso (Kim) Smith, Marcus Lamont (Ashely) Smith and Monnette Latrice Smith; four grandchildren: Jamaal Oti, Jasmine Smith, Jahnay Smith and Déja Smith; four great grandchildren: Kayla, Zane, Khloe, and Zahron; a sister, Lee Esther Wright; a niece, Katrina Wright (Stevie) Bullock; nephew, Kerry Marcellus Wade; a special great niece, Latoya Wright and her sons, Deionte and Jacobe Wright; sister-in-law, Blondell Alspaugh; brother-in-law, Frank Smith; other extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 18th in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will be in Gardens of Memory cemetery, Walkertown, NC.