Dr. Jill Ann Englebright Fox, 62, of Victoria, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at her home in Victoria. Jill was born in Fairfield, Illinois to Curtis and Alice Englebright on July 11, 1961. Jill married Raymond B. Fox (Fuchs) on August 8,1984 in Dallas, Texas. Her sudden loss is deeply felt by the many lives she has touched.
Jill was an amazing achiever devoted to faith, family, education and community service. As a 4th generation educator, she earned degrees from Western Kentucky University, Texas Women’s University and a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas. Jill’s commitment to education ranged from teaching Sunday School kids as a teenager to graduate level courses in teacher education. She was a talented researcher who was committed to all aspects of the profession including teaching, research, publication and service. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and was honored by presentations at the Oxford Round Table and Singapore’s Ministry of Education. During her career, Dr. Fox served at Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Texas Arlington and the University of Houston Victoria. She was the lead author of the textbook, Art and Creative Development for Young Children. Jill’s true love and focus of her life was the education of young children and their preparation for success in life.
Her love of community involvement led her to board positions with the Vine School, the Victoria Symphony, the Nave Museum, the Junior League of Victoria, and the Victoria Library Board. Jill demonstrated her love for her faith in Christ by serving as eucharistic minister, lay reader, Alter Guild and Daughters of the King prayer ministry.
In her retirement, she was honored to serve as District Director for State Senator Lois Kolkhorst.
Jill is preceded in death by her father; Curtis L. Englebright of Bowling Green Kentucky. Jill is survived by her loving husband Raymond B. Fox; sons, Joseph R. Fox and his fiancée Meagan Brown and Curtis Lee Fox and his wife Katie, granddaughter Virginia Sue Fox; her mother Alice Englebright, sisters; Donna Denney and her husband Michael, and Jane Breckenridge and her husband Brennen. In addition, Jill leaves behind numerous extended family and friends, all of whom will cherish her memory.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 5-7 pm at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, with Rev. Michael Koehler officiating.
Memorials may be given to the Curtis Englebright Scholarship Fund at: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/808/form/landing.aspx?sid=808&gid=1&pgid=1282&cid=2534&bledit=1&dids=555 or mail to: College Heights Foundation, Western Kentucky University, c/o Dr. Curtis Englebright Scholarship Foundation, 1703 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
