Iris (Chester) Fox

Iris (Chester) Fox, age 88, of Morganton, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Iris was born the daughter of the late Robey Chester and Mary Whisnant Chester on November 8, 1934 in Burke County. She had been living at the Grace Ridge Community in Morganton since February 2019.

Along with her parents, Iris was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Eugene Fox; a son, Allen Eugene Fox; two sisters, Mary Ellen Fox and Jean Calvin; and three brothers, Ervin Chester, Roy Chester and R.L. Chester.

Those left behind to cherish Iris's memory include a daughter, Kathy Greene and her husband Joe; a son, Larry Wendell Fox and his wife Connie; six grandchildren, Holly Greene, Katy Fox, Jay Fox, Tabatha Huffman and her husband Landon, Morgan Fox and Pablo Alejo; seven great grandchildren, Jacob Alejo and his wife Grace, Noah Alejo, Joshua Alejo, Jude Huffman, Malu Huffman, Desmond Huffman and Carson White; a daughter-in-law, Anita Fox; a sister, Lillie Bennett; three sister-in-law, Ruby Chester, Helen Chester and Lillian Harris. Iris is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Growing up in the Oak Hill community, Iris was a 1953 graduate of Oak Hill High School: receiving many honors for her academic and athletic success.

Iris had a long, successful career as a businesswoman in Morganton. She owned and operated her own insurance agency, Iris Fox Insurance, since 1981. In 1999, she was named Burke County Woman of the Year. She was always an active member of the community, being in the local Professional Woman's Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity Board, and serving as a mentor and encourager to many other businesswomen. Her hard work ethic was evident in all her endeavors. Her motto was: "Shoot for the Stars: there's no limit to what you can do!"

Being a woman of strong faith. Iris served many positions in local churches, including Glen Alpine First Baptist, Calvin Heights Baptist, Mountain View Baptist and Oak Hill Methodist Church. she often taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served on various committees.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Columbarium of Oak Hill Methodist Church. Afterwards, family and friends will gather in the church's fellowship hall. Light refreshments will be available.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Oak Hill Methodist Church, 2239 NC181

Morganton, NC 28655 to assist with their many community outreach programs.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kirkseyfh.com for the Fox family.