Elisa Raylene Phillips Cox

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Elisa was known as a shining light whose love and kindness touched every person she met.

Elisa Raylene Phillips Cox, born April 24, 1955, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, joining her late husband, Randy, on the other side of glory. In her life and in her final days, she was known as a shining light whose love and kindness touched every person she met.

Elisa, lovingly known as Lisa, lived a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. She met Randall Edward Cox "Randy", when she was 14 years old, and the two were high school sweethearts who had been inseparable ever since. Together, they lived their lives dedicated to loving God and loving others. Their home was a warm and inviting place, with an open door to family, friends, and strangers alike. At Lisa and Randy’s dining room table, guests could expect a delicious plate of food, lively conversation, wise counsel, and, before long, a rowdy round of card games. It was a home filled with welcome, laughter, and deep care for others.

Lisa dedicated her life to teaching. She homeschooled her children and grandchildren, and she also taught at Asheville Pisgah Christian School. She gave herself wholeheartedly to helping others learn and grow, and she brought patience, wisdom, and love to that calling. Among all the roles she cherished, her favorites were being a wife, a mother, and Grammy to her grandchildren. Time spent in her presence was a joy, and her steady warmth made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.

For the last three months of her life, Lisa fought a rare blood disorder. Even through her sickest days, she was remembered by those she crossed paths with as a shining light. Her grace, strength, and gentle spirit remained evident to the end.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Randall Edward Cox, who died on June 24, 2023, and by her step-grandson, Christopher "CJ".

Lisa is survived by her father and mother, Ray Edward Phillips and Dolores Jean Wiltse Phillips. She also leaves behind her children: Jonathan Cox, Jeremy Cox and his wife Shawna, Jeannette Bryant and her husband Benjamin, Joanna Cox, Joyelle Franklin and her husband Zachary, Joel Cox, Jessica Cox, and Julie Clarke and her husband Thomas. She is also survived by her daughter-in-love, Heather Harty.

Her love continues through her grandchildren: Isabel, Bianca, Ava, Mason, Madison, Sadie and her husband Jonathan, Avery, Scott, Riley, Oliver, Alfie, and Evelyn; as well as her great-grandchildren: Willow, Raelyn, and Synara. She is also survived by her siblings: Gary Phillips and his wife Terri, Donna Phillips, Diane Phillips, and Mark Phillips and his wife Tammie; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended famliy.

A celebration of Lisa's life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2027, a day made especially meaningful as it would have been her birthday. The time and location of the service will be announced at a later date. Please check back for additional details as arrangements are finalized.

Elisa’s life was a testimony to hospitality, devotion, and enduring love. She leaves behind a family knit together by her example and a circle of friends and loved ones who were blessed by her generosity, wisdom, and joyful presence. Her memory will be treasured always.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Lisa's famliy.