Shelia P. Fox
Shelia P. Fox
Shelia Punetta (Folk) Fox, 79, of Staunton, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Born in Staunton, Virginia on October 20, 1946 she was the daughter of the late Ernest Folk and Edna Virginia Folk. A 1965 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Shelia was known throughout her life for her joyful spirit, strong faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. At the age of 13, Shelia began working at Leggett’s Department Store (now Belk) in downtown Staunton, where she worked for seven years. She later spent 19 years as a Staff Accountant for Smith’s Transfer before serving for 29 years as Office Manager for the Law Office of Nelson, Macpherson, Summers, and Santos, where she concurrently served as Assistant to the Commissioner of Accounts for Augusta County. She retired at age 70 after a distinguished career marked by dedication, professionalism, and service to others. On June 10, 1965, at the age of 18, she married James Raleigh Fox, the love of her life. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage and raised two children, Drema Tellson (Thomas) and Jimmy Fox (Waldetrudes). Shelia and James began their lifelong journey together at St. Paul Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, where they exchanged their vows. Shelia was a devoted grandmother to Destiny Connolly (Jon), Tommy Tellson (Angela), Hannah Fox, and Heidi Fox, and a proud great-grandmother to Audie, Maddie, and Chloe. A lifelong Christian, Shelia was baptized at Second Presbyterian Church in Staunton and worshiped for many years at both First Presbyterian Church and Second Presbyterian Church. Alongside her husband, she served as a youth leader and Sunday school teacher, helping guide and encourage generations of young people through church activities and fellowship. Shelia enjoyed sports, travel, and spending time with family. In retirement, she and James traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting every continent, including Antarctica. Together, they also visited the capital city of every U.S. state and attended a game at every Major League Baseball stadium. She will be remembered for her warm smile, generous heart, enthusiasm, enduring faith, and the love she shared with family, friends, and all who knew her. In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she is survived by her siblings, Fonda Anderson (son: Brian), Muzon Folk (children: Ritchie, Lori), Ernestine Hiner (children: Joey, Tara), J.C. Folk (children: Eddie, Olivia, Henley, Aaron), Jeris Cassel, and Brenda Carol Folk (daughter: Bethany). She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Eugenia Folk (children: Cynthia, Carl, Roberta, Eric). A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Second Presbyterian Church in Staunton. Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.
