Martha Rena Fox, lovingly known as Rena, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Rena was born on February 19, 1938, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Dewey and Audrey Tucker. As a child, her family moved to Kannapolis, North Carolina, where she was raised and later attended A.L. Brown High School. On March 14, 1957, she married the love of her life, Bobby Fox, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Fox; her granddaughters, Audrey Bentley and Leeanna Newman; and her great‑granddaughter, Cheyenne Newman.

Rena was a devoted member of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, where she faithfully served throughout her life. She taught Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, and Sunday School, and could always be found in worship every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening. Her love for the Lord was evident to all who knew her.

Her home was always open—a safe place for her children, grandchildren, and anyone in need. She was affectionately known as the “neighborhood mom” and “mawmaw” to many children at church. Rena had a listening ear and a gentle spirit, always ready to offer counsel, comfort, and love. Anyone who called her home was greeted with her familiar words, “Hello, Jesus loves you,” a truth she firmly believed and wanted the world to know.

For as many years as she was able, Rena hosted Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in her home, creating treasured family traditions. She showed love through hospitality and was well known for keeping everyone’s stomach full with her homemade cookies, pound cakes, pecan pies, and pumpkin pies.

She is survived by her four devoted daughters: Kay Heath (Robert) of Kannapolis, Bobbie Easley of Salisbury, Jeanette Bentley (Greg) of Salisbury, and Charlotte Styers (Jimmy) of Cleveland, NC; her sister, Margie Canup of Kannapolis;

She is also survived by her beloved granddaughters: Tiea (Lance), Jennifer (Garrett), Julie (Kyle), Sarah (Russell), and Mallory; and by her cherished great‑grandchildren: Victoria, Sophia, Garrison, Carson, Emerson, Crue, Audrey, Emelyn, Calum, Hagen, and Fletcher.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Mausoleum at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.

Martha Rena Fox leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, and heartfelt service. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.