Nancy Jane Starnes Fox-Farmer, 93, of Granite Falls, passed away at her home in Grace Chapel on Tuesday March 11, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was born on July 22, 1931 in Caldwell County to the late Isaac Melton Starnes and Ora Della Bowman Starnes. She was married to the love of her life, Jack E. Fox, for nearly 50 wonderful years before his passing. Together, they cherished traveling the world and devoted 14 years to caring for her mother until her passing. Jack was a gardener and Nancy had a unique talent for preserving vegetables, often putting everything into a jar.

She was passionate about her community, and throughout her lifetime, she crocheted and donated over 1,000 prayer shawls to local churches. A lover of games and puzzles, she often invited friends to “flip some cards,” and her laughter was infectious, as no one enjoyed a good joke more than she did.

Her faith in Jesus was unwavering, and she was an active member of Grace Chapel Global Methodist Church throughout her life. Nancy held various positions, including teaching Sunday school and serving on several church committees. In her final days, her favorite place was at church, surrounded by her Sunday school class. She even requested Pastor Phillip Hefner to baptize her, honoring her cherished baptism. Another of her loves as a church representative, was visiting the shut-ins. She so enjoyed visits while staying with her mom that she visited the “old” people, with the last one being the Ray Tilley family.

As an educator for over 30 years, Nancy was passionate about introducing young children to the world of ABC’s and 123’s. Her excitement for teaching was evident in her joy at watching children learn to read and write, shaping many into successful adults in Caldwell County.

In the last summer of her life, she canned over 70 quarts of green beans, eager to do more the following summer. An avid baker, she shared her creations with friends and family, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth. While Nancy is now with her Savior, and that brings comfort, she will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husbands, Jack Elmore Fox and Robert Vaughn Farmer; and her siblings, Carrie Odell Teague, John Wesley Starnes, Lucille Starnes Phillips, Isaac Landon Starnes and Robert Lee Starnes.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children; Jack Avery (Melissa) Fox of Summerville, SC and Della (Michael) Griffee of Granite Falls; her Grandchildren, Daniel Malachai Griffee and Heidi Adele Griffee Ricks (Ben); (bonus grandchildren) Jason and Jennifer Brittain; her great-grandchildren, Maura Jane Griffee, Warren Kincaid Griffee, Elliott Angler Ricks, (bonus great-grandchildren) Ambly and Claire Brittain; her stepsons, Don (Pam) Farmer and Kent (Renee) Farmer; her sister, Polly Starnes Moore, and their extended families. Also surviving are her charismatic crochet group, Ann Adams, Judy Anton, Sara Carpenter, Muriel Armstrong, Frances Ford, Charlotte Rogers and Janice (Jan) Green; and her beloved bridge club, Judy Mackie, Judy Keller, and Ann Sigmon.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday March 14, 2025 at Grace Chapel Global Methodist Church, with Rev. Phillip Hefner and Rev. Mitch Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Grace Chapel Global Methodist Church Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Jack.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at Grace Chapel Global Methodist Church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grace Chapel Global Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 4336 Grace Chapel Road, Granite Falls, NC 28630 or Amorem Hospice, 922 Kirkwood Ave, Lenoir, NC 28645.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the family.