Donna Lou (Halsell) Fox

Donna Lou (Halsell) Fox passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, following a long battle with dementia. She was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on February 15, 1944, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to William and Grace Halsell, Donna lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, and service. She was an educator, artist, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a compassionate friend whose adventurous spirit touched countless lives. Donna’s faith was the foundation of her life. After accepting Christ at a young age, her faith remained steadfast. She sought every opportunity to serve God and to draw others closer to Him through kindness, generosity, and faithful service. She devoted many years to Anchor Baptist Church and its Christian Academy, where she faithfully served her church community. A cheerful worker with a servant’s heart, Donna began her career as a waitress at her father’s diner, The Dixie, in Lebanon. It was there, during a closing shift, that she met the love of her life, James Linley Fox Jr. They were married on August 22, 1964, at the Church of the Brethren in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, beginning a marriage that would span 61 years. During Jim’s service aboard United States Navy submarines in the Silent Service, they welcomed their first child, James Linley Fox III, on October 21, 1965. Their daughter, Alicia Fox, was born on February 2, 1970, in Illinois. Following Jim’s honorable discharge and his employment as a field engineer with General Electric, the family relocated numerous times throughout the United States. Donna embraced every new community with warmth and enthusiasm, always eager to become involved and leave each place better than she found it. In 1995, Donna and Jim moved to Beni Suef, Egypt, approximately 90 kilometers south of Cairo. There, Donna’s passion for education and service reached new heights. She worked with an international organization supporting efforts to reduce infant mortality by teaching American English to local field workers. She was later invited by the Coptic Church to establish an English-language school, where she developed the kindergarten and first-grade curriculum while mentoring teachers in American English. During her years in Egypt, Donna also learned to speak, read, and write Egyptian Arabic. Throughout her life, Donna called many places home, including Key West, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Buffalo Grove, Illinois; Fultonham, New York; Lebanon, Pennsylvania; the Salt Lake City area of Utah; and Egypt. Of all the places she lived, Salt Lake City remained the place she most affectionately considered home. Donna’s love for children extended well beyond her own family. She opened her home as a foster mother to numerous children, from infants to teenagers, loving each one with patience and compassion. She approached life with an adventurous spirit and an open heart, always eager to learn, explore, and enjoy God’s creation. She loved skiing, bicycling, hiking, fishing, hunting, motorcycling, and traveling. Her adventures carried her around the world, including unforgettable journeys to the Galápagos Islands and many other countries. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, faith, compassion, and unwavering love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, William and Grace Halsell; her beloved daughter, Alicia Fox; her son-in-law, Calvin; and her grandson, Garrett. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, James Linley Fox Jr.; her son, James Linley Fox III, and daughter-in-law, Denise; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Dorian, Elek, and Pepper; her great-grandchildren, Audrey, Sadie, and Aleksander; and her brother, William. Though tenderly missed, Donna’s family rejoices in the assurance that she is at peace in the presence of her Savior. Her life was a testimony of steadfast faith, selfless service, and enduring love, and her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Donna Lou (Halsell) Fox

February 15, 1944 - June 18, 2026