Meredith Ashley Yanes (née Cox), 30, passed away peacefully at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with sarcoma. Her beloved husband, Edwin Yanes, held her hand as she took her final breaths, surrounding her with the same love and devotion that defined their life together.

Born on July 4, 1995, Meredith entered the world with a natural warmth and an extraordinary gift for making others feel welcome. Raised in Greenville, South Carolina, she cherished her childhood in the Silverleaf neighborhood, where many lifelong friendships were formed. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later Greenville Tech Charter High School, where her love for swimming, volleyball, basketball, and soccer reflected her enthusiasm, discipline, and competitive spirit. From an early age, her hard work and leadership were evident and admired by many.

Meredith graduated from the College of Charleston in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, completing both degrees in just three years through her signature determination and drive. She was the youngest graduate in her class and served in several executive leadership roles within the Eta Lambda chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, forming friendships and memories that she carried with her for the rest of her life.

Hospitality was not simply Meredith’s profession; it was who she was to her core. Her attention to detail, organization, grace, and genuine desire to bring others’ visions to life made her both a trusted professional and a deeply treasured colleague. She began her career at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, where her talent quickly became evident. Highly regarded throughout the industry, she was frequently invited to speak at colleges and was sought after by organizations for her skill, creativity, and compassion, qualities that consistently resulted in impeccably executed, heartfelt events.

Her career ultimately led her to Charlotte, where she joined the Charlotte Regional Visitor’s Authority as a Sales Manager. Meredith believed deeply in Charlotte’s charm and potential as a premier destination, and her passion was reflected in her work. Her success earned her a rapid promotion to Senior Sales Manager, once again the youngest person to hold the role. It was in Charlotte, through her work and community, that Meredith also met the love of her life, Edwin, along with many cherished friends.

Meredith and Edwin’s love story began at work, and their very first date, salsa dancing, captured everything that defined her spirit: vibrant, open-hearted, and always ready to embrace joy. After four joyful years together, they were married on November 4, 2023. Edwin was drawn to her kindness, her beauty, especially her radiant eyes and smile, and her natural elegance. Together they built a life rooted in love for food, travel, laughter, and family. Their home was always one of warmth and welcome, filled with thoughtful touches that reflected their shared belief in the importance of connection and hospitality.

Shortly after their wedding, Meredith was diagnosed with sarcoma. She faced this unimaginable challenge with unwavering bravery and grace. For two years, she fought with strength, hope, and courage, supported every step of the way by Edwin and her devoted sister, Courtney Cox. Meredith and Courtney shared an unbreakable bond; when Meredith was diagnosed, Courtney moved to Charlotte to stand beside her, a testament to the closeness the sisters cherished their entire lives.

Throughout every chapter of her life, especially during her journey with cancer, Meredith’s greatest joy came from her family and friends. She adored her dog, Tucker, who was her loyal companion for 12 years. In a heartbreaking testament to that devotion, Tucker remained by her side until the very end and passed just a few hours before she did.

Meredith is survived by her loving husband, Edwin Yanes; her devoted sister, Courtney Cox; her parents, Charles H. Cox Jr. and Andrea Farrell Cox; and many friends and extended family members who were blessed by her light. She was brave until the very end—a fighter, an inspiration, and a woman her family is endlessly proud of. Above all, Meredith was profoundly loved, and she will be deeply and achingly missed.

A funeral service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 1000 E. Morehead Street in Charlotte, on Friday, December 12th at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a reception in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Visitation will take place on Saturday, December 13th at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home, located at 1111 East Boulevard in Charlotte, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by her burial at Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery, located at 700 W. 6th Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Paula Takacs Foundation, a local, sarcoma nonprofit, or the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge, where Meredith’s family was able to stay at no cost during her treatments at MD Anderson in Houston. Links are provided below. For those who still wish to send flowers, arrangements may be made through Southern Blossom.

 https://paulatakacsfoundation.org/ways-to-give/

“Dedicate this Donation” box and include “In memory of Meredith Cox”

https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/events/675/donate

There is a box to enter Meredith’s name as the person you donate in memory of.