Mary Lena James Fox

Mary Lena James Fox, 88, of Statesville, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Brookdale Peachtree Assisted Living.

Mary was born on November 20, 1937, to the late Herman James and Florence Brown James.

She graduated from Taylorsville High School. She worked at Beauty Maid Mills for over 30 years then at Zimmer from where she retired.

In her younger years she loved to work in her yard and flower garden as well as preserve the vegetables grown in the garden.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, George Franklin “Frank” Fox; daughter, Cynthia Fox; sister, Linda Joines; and brothers, Raeford James and Lester Brown.

Mary is survived by her son, Phil Fox (Michele); daughter, Patty Millsaps (Kent); grandchildren, Candace Stikeleather (Justin), Stacey Josey (Beau), Zach Millsaps (Kasie), and Zane Millsaps (Lisa); six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at New Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Mason officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at New Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Brookdale Peachtree Activity Fund, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Fox family.