Makayla Ann Cox

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Makayla Ann Cox, who touched the lives of so many during her brief time with us. At only 15 years old, Makayla earned her angelic wings on December 29, 2025, at the ECU Medical Center.

Services commemorating the life of Makayla will commence with a visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This will take place in the sanctuary of the Tarboro Church of God, located at 412 Shirley Street, Tarboro, North Carolina. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM following the visitation.

Makayla Cox was born on January 08, 2010 in Tarboro, NC to Jennifer Summerlin and Mark Cox.

Makayla was a vibrant 10th grader filled with excitement as she looked forward to her graduation. With her 16th birthday on the horizon, she was eagerly anticipating the chance to step into the workforce. Her role as an aunt to her beloved niece, Juju, brought her immense joy, and she took pride in being a devoted "mama" to her furry companions, Nova and Champ. In her leisure time, Makayla found happiness in sleeping and immersing herself in the world of Roblox, with a special affection for all things Hello Kitty. What truly set Makayla apart was her incredible generosity. She had a heart of gold, always seeking ways to uplift those around her. One of her most fulfilling pursuits was providing food and blankets to the homeless, embodying compassion and kindness in action.

Sadly, Makayla was preceded in death by her cherished great-grandparents: Carolyn and Woodrow Taylor, Bobby and Geraldine Summerlin, and Linda Lane, along with her great-uncles Donald Summerlin and Howard Taylor.

Makayla leaves behind cherished memories and is survived by her mother, Jennifer, at home; her bonus dad, Cornell Joyner; her brother, Shawn Moore (Faith) of Burlington, NC; her sister, Jayden Moore, also at home; her niece, Jupiter; her boyfriend, Elijah; and her grandparents, Janie and Bruce Palmer, Larry Summerlin Sr., and James and Cathey Cox. She is also survived by her aunts, Christiana, Chelsea, and Jaime; her uncles, Larry and Douglas; and a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation:
Saturday, January 17, 2026

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Celebration of Life:
Saturday, January 17, 2026

1:00 pm

Tarboro Church of God

412 Shirley Street,
Tarboro, NC 27886