Shirley Temple Fox

Shirley Temple Jolly Fox, age 84, of Taylorsville went to her eternal home on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at her residence, surrounded by her family, to forever be with her Lord & Savior. She was born on May 5, 1934 in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Hartsell L. & Lona Bell Jolly. During her career, Shirley worked for Carolina Glove and the Alexander County School System at Hiddenite Elementary & Alexander Central High School. She alongside her husband, Rev. Ruel Fox, served in the ministry for 43 years at Yadkin & Fairview Baptist Churches. After her husband retired from the ministry, they went back home to Millersville Baptist Church where their walk with Christ began. She loved spending time with her family and church family. Shirley had a special love for everyone, especially her husband and considered it a privilege & honor to be a pastor’s wife. She also enjoyed working with flowers, decorating, and shopping with her children. Shirley was a special jewel that will be greatly missed but forever be in our hearts. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings; infant sister Louann Jolly and Joan Robinette; half-brothers and sister Dane, Zane, Steve, & Gary Isenhour; along with two infants Phil & Joy Isenhour.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include the love of her life for 64 years Rev. Ruel Fox, Sr., of the home; daughter Ruelene Deal & husband Hal, of Moravian Falls; sons Rev. Jamie Fox & wife Kim, of Statesville and Todd Fox & wife Lisa, of Taylorsville; grandchildren April Sigmon & husband Darian, Justin Deal & wife Carla, Hayley Pennell & Jason Absher, Jamison Presnell & husband Jon, Rev. Jayson Fox & wife Brandy, Jakin Fox & wife Whitney, Kayla Barr & husband Rev. Durant Barr, and Lauren Mull & husband Seth; great-grandchildren Madison & Seth Sigmon; Justin Teague & wife Terri; Jason Teague; Jaycey Deal; Kenley & Kreed Pennell; Evan, Averie, & Ruby Grace Presnell; Saylem Fox, James Ruel Fox, III, & Reid Fox; Paxton & Palmer Fox; and Ila Kate Barr; sister Jelene Fox; half-sisters Mazelle Bowman, Thresa Setzer, & Melba Carrigan, all of Taylorsville; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 6, 2018 beginning at 5:00 pm at Millersville Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 4:00 pm at Millersville Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Orren, Rev. Rick Safriet, & Rev. Steve Dagenhart officiating. The body will lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to service. Burial will follow at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.

In addition to flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Alexander at 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681; Millersville Christian Academy at 130 Millersville Church Rd, Taylorsville, NC 28681; or to The Gideon’s International at Po Box 517, Taylorsville, NC 28681.