In loving memory of Evelyn Albania “Bana” Morelock Fox, also affectionately known as “Nannie”, who peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home and embraced by the arms of Jesus while surrounded by family on Friday, April 25, 2025, at her daughter’s residence in Wilmington, North Carolina, after 90 beautiful years of a well-lived life.
Born to Willie & Dessie Sauls Morelock on April 27, 1934, in Greeneville, Tennessee, she was a graduate of Science Hill High School and began a robust career in the arts as a piano accompanist for many fine art programs, choral director for South Central and West View Elementary Schools and Washington College Academy, as well as private piano instructor for many years. She provided the accompaniment for dance recitals for Range School of Dance, Bolding School of Dance, and Lesa’s School of dance for several decades. She also established a successful childcare facility formerly known as Kountry Kids Preschool and Learning Center which she directed from 1983 until her retirement in 1999.
She was a devoted member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Limestone and later became a founding member of Harbor United Methodist Church upon relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina. Bana served as the Minister of Music at both churches for several decades.
She was married to the love of her life, Jimmy David Fox, for 70 years, by whom she was preceded in death only 16 months prior. Together, they pursued their love of travel by traveling the country with their beloved friends, always making sure to bring home a souvenir magnet which would proudly adorn her refrigerator. But nothing could match her love of the ocean where she spent many days enjoying herself with her family by her side.
She was also preceded in death by her sisters Wanda (Harold) Phillips, Mary Ruth (Clyde) Vines, Peggy (Bill) McInturff, and her grandson-in-law Gene Mullins.
Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Doug Fox (Anita) of Limestone, TN, Lesa Fox Mathes (Erwin) of Chuckey, TN, and Mira Fox Lamendola (Ed) of Wilmington, NC. Grandchildren: Heather Mullins, Jordan Fox (Katie), Megan Ellis (Jarrod), and Coleman and Nicholas Lamendola. Great-Grandchildren: Amelia Mullins, Jake and Lyndee Fox, and Hayes and Blake Ellis; along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 5:00 PM, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Asbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Garry Edwards and Rev. Jackie McGowan officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-5:00 PM Thursday prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Asbury Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Coleman Lamendola, Nicholas Lamendola, Jake Fox, Tim Humphrey, Tim McKinney, Greg Cloyd, Cecil Quinn and Sammy Henley. Honorary pallbearers Garry Edwards and Carroll Foster.
