Michelle Darlene Cox, 58, of West Columbia, SC passed away March 22, 2024. Michelle was the beloved daughter of Darlene Dickerson Cox and Stephen H. Cox. She is survived by her son, Preston Hendricks Mills, sister and brother- in- law Tracey Cox Crede (Scott) and Stephanie Cox Peterson (Mitchell) as well as nephew Garrett (Avery) Crede and nieces Jessica Crede, Julianne Peterson and Adelynn Peterson.

Michelle grew up in West Columbia, SC and graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1984. Upon graduation, she pursued a successful modeling career and modeled extensively in the United States and Europe, including being a featured model in the Belk Horizon Modeling Tour that traveled the entire East Coast. She was crowned Miss Columbia in 1988 and competed in the Miss South Carolina pageant where she was a top 10 finalist.

After her modeling career, Michelle returned home and enrolled at the University of South Carolina where she was a founding sister of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from USC with a degree in Retail Management and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, an academic fraternity. Michelle was a smart business woman and was co-owner of Cash-o-Matic Incorporated.

Michelle loved perfecting her skills as a photographer at numerous family events and other occasions. These treasured photos represent her legacy of talent and love of family. She enjoyed water activities including boating and fishing and was an avid fan of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Throughout her life Michelle possessed a tender love for animals and volunteered at animal shelters at various times. At the time of her death she had adopted Rizzi and Roxzzi, two kittens that she loved dearly.

Michelle's life reflected her warmth on so many people whose lives she touched. Her beautiful smile, compelling kindness, and loving heart etched indelible marks on her family and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life Service for Michelle Cox will be held Saturday, April 27 at 11:00am at Northside Baptist Church at 4347 Sunset Boulevard Lexington, SC. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am preceding the service.

Memorials may be made to:

Pawmetto Lifeline

1275 Bowers Parkway

Columbia, SC 29212

or

Pets, Inc.

300 Orchard Drive

West Columbia, SC 29170