On the sunny winter morning of Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Dona Glazier Cox, loving mother of three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, peacefully passed away at the age of 108 at her home in Independence, VA.

Dona was born on June 12, 1912 in Macon, Georgia to Peter Nicholas and Cynthia Gelomila. On December 22, 1938, she married Harvey William Glazier, an Episcopal priest. They raised their three children in North Carolina and Virginia. After Harvey's passing in 1959, she met and married Gayle J. Cox of Independence, Virginia in 1966. She received her bachelor's degree from Mercer University in 1937 and taught English at Independence High School from 1968-1981. She lived in her beloved hometown of Independence for 54 years until her passing. Dona was also a founding member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Galax, VA, an executive with the Girl Scouts, head of Appleton Church Home for Girls in Macon, GA, a member of the Red Hat Society, and, above all, a local 'celebrity' beloved by all of her tight-knit community.

Dona's irrepressibly positive outlook on life was infectious to everyone who came in contact with her, ranging from her innumerable high school students who revered her their entire lives, to her extended family, intimate friends and vast social circle. Her cosmopolitan appreciation of art, music, and literature inspired others to broaden their lives, with many people citing her inspiration as a catalyst for their career and life trajectories. Dona's intense spiritual foundation allowed her to comfort and solace many people, keeping her unbelievably grounded as a strong maternal figure for those around her. Always a lover of nature and animals, Dona had many sociable pets ranging from her rescued calico cat P.S. to her Shetland pony Molly. Her beloved Molly lived 38 years as a constant companion, greeter of her frequent guests and guardian of her well-tended garden. Molly was a favorite draw for her children and grandchildren, leaving the family with fond memories of reunions at her home situated just off of downtown Independence on a rolling hillside. Molly's pasture full of apple trees was bisected by a lazy spring-fed creek and overlooked by a frequently occupied hammock. Dona craved interactions with people and nature, feeding off the energy of every encounter. Always active and never without her infectious smile, Dona's lifetime energy seemed unbounded. To no surprise of anyone who crossed her path, her dynamism coupled with her positive spirit were the secret to her defying the odds and seeing an age that only 58 out of 100,000 people in America ever reach. Dona will be forever loved in the memories of the many people she has touched and influenced.

Dona is survived by her three children, Cynthia, William, and Noel, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister Christine and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held this summer at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Galax, VA. Please email donasmemorial@gmail.com and we will send details once a date is set. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Dona's honor to Global Wildlife Conservation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife and ecosystem protection for the benefit of all life on Earth, headed by her grandson. Donation information can be found at www.globalwildlife.org/donate . Or you may make a donation to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9441 Grayson Parkway, Galax, VA 24333.