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.
It was a joy to know Nancy, her children, and her grandchild. She was kind to us, her family, and everyone. We treasured her friendship. Although I was her hairdresser, I considered it a true friendship.
One more thing,, Della. I still make your mom‘s chicken pie recipe and have shared with others. I just love it and they do, too.
Hi Della,
I was sad to read about your mom’s passing. Her obituary was lovely. I bet you wrote it, didn’t you?
I have such fond memories of you being such a good student in class, telling me, “Mrs Pru, you don’t pull tobacco you break tobacco”, traveling with me to Europe and phoning to tell me that Notre Dame was on fire.
Love, Mme Pru
Mrs. Fox-Farmer was my 2nd grade teacher at Dudley Shoals Elementary. She was a good teacher, and I will never forget her teaching us the “Good Samaritan’s Story” that we played out on stage. I know she will be greatly missed. Please accept my condolences, and I pray her fond memories will bring you peace in the days to come.
What a very special lady!!! Nancy touched my life 50 odd years ago; setting an example to me for being a great United Methodist Woman. She was an angel to me and my family when we lost our grandson, Clarke-Harmon Smith. Nancy will always be in my heart. Della and Michael, you’re in my prayers!!!! I love ya’ll…Rest well,my sweet angel…….
I remember Mrs Fox well. She was my first grade teacher at Oak Hill. Sorry for your loss.
We are so very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She and Jack were such great friends of Grandpa and Grandma for so many years and later, Nancy was a loved and much appreciated addition to our family! I will never forget her kindness and thoughtfulness and will forever cherish my beautiful crocheted blanket. May God’s presence bring you peace at this time.
Blessings+,
Angela Farmer Ballard and Family