Family of beloved Tipton twin Doris thank community for support

Doris and twin sister Lilian Cox became celebrities as Britain’s oldest identical twins, stealing the hearts of the nation with their smiles and quick wit during appearances on TV and radio.

Doris died in January, aged 96, after testing positive for coronavirus and her funeral took place in Tipton on Monday afternoon.

A post on Lil and Doris' Facebook page says: "Lil would like to say a huge thank you to all the hundreds of people who lined up the streets in Tipton making Doris’ final journey a special one...like she truly deserved.

"Doris definitely picked the best day of the week, it was dry and sunny, the perfect weather for her procession to church.

"Lil tried to wave to as many of you as she could and she also noticed all the gentlemen taking their hats off as Doris went past, she thought how kind that was.

"Doris definitely held a place in people’s hearts, we could see all the emotion in everyone as we went past which was very touching.

"As a family we're overwhelmed with the amount of people paying their respects yesterday and clapping the cortege... in particular Cotterills Road (photo going past Doris’ marital home) and Asda car park two very special places to both Doris and Lil.

"It was obvious to see that Tipton has lost a truly remarkable lady who was loved by many in her local area.

"I know Doris has done Tipton proud... but yesterday Tipton you did Doris proud, and we are forever grateful to each and everyone of you for all the love and support."

Doris was laid to rest with her husband Ray, who she lost 11 years ago after 65 years of marriage.

Doris' beloved Asda in Great Bridge was part of the route and staff and shoppers lined up to clap and wave as the cortège passed by.

Doris's sister Lil was also rushed to hospital with Covid and spent two weeks on oxygen, steroids, vitamins and antibiotics.

She was discharged from hospital on January 18 and has been recovering at home since.

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Granddaughter Kerry Clarke added: "We were overwhelmed with how many people turned out on the streets.

"It was a celebration of her life that we wanted it to be. It was a special day for her as she was so special.

"Asda was lovely. It was a nice route and you could see the emotion on everyone's faces. It was very moving.

"Nan was really impressed that all the gentlemen stopped and took their hats off.

"We had two doves released as Aunt Doris believed in the afterlife. Everyone had a carnation as it was her favourite flower.

"Every time we go on the fundraising page people are donating. It's lovely that people are thinking of her and it's lovely that Lil has been able to raise that much for a local charity.

"It was a hard day for the family. Lil is doing really well, she's getting her sense of humour back.

"We've had so many lovely messages from all over the world. It's quite strange how people all over the world are thinking of her."

A fundraising page for the Beacon Centre for the Blind, a charity close to Doris’s heart, has raised more than £6,000 in her memory.

The family said the charity helped Doris look after her husband, Ray, for more than 20 years when he lost his eyesight suddenly during their long marriage.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dorishobday