Age 72, Luray, Va.
Sharon Fox Embry left this life October 26, 2020, all too soon for her loving family. She was 72. She lived and worked in Luray nearly all her life. She leaves behind her son, Patrick Embry, and daughter-in-law, Heather Embry; two grandchildren, Devon and Gracie Embry; and three sisters, Diana Fox Edwards, Lou Ann Fox Cave and Terri Fox Gibbs. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lillian Keyser Fox and John Harold Fox.
She lived most of her adult life in her grandparents’ home, which held fond memories for her and was next door to her mother. Sharon provided much care and companionship to her mother as she aged and helped make it possible for her to remain in her home until her death in 2018.
After graduating from Luray High School, Sharon attended cosmetology school and worked as a hair stylist in Harrisonburg for a period of time. She returned to Luray and worked briefly at Wrangler before starting her career employment at Luray Caverns. After 10 years with the Caverns restaurant, she went on to manage the sandwich café at the golf course for 30 years. Sharon is remembered fondly by many local golfers for her service and smile. During this time, she was also a popular bartender for private parties and events around town.
Sharon attended St. Mark Lutheran Church all her life. She grew in grace through children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Luther League, as well as summer church camp at Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg.
Sharon loved events that drew family together in Luray. Birthdays and holidays were sacred times to her, and she delighted in seeing her siblings and their families return to town to celebrate and share good times.
Next to her devotion to family, Sharon was known for her love of animals. She was in awe of the majesty and beauty of horses, and as a young teen adored her own Welsh pony, Rusty, and later a trail horse named Shelly. She rescued homeless cats, believing that it was her calling to use whatever resources she had to provide for them. As a child, she cared for a crippled duckling, and once took it upon herself to release a family of wild rabbits that had been captured by her sister. And even while Sharon had an intense fear of spiders, she would never kill one!
Sharon had an artistic talent from early on, creatively sketching people and animals, and she also entertained and inspired her family with whimsical poetry and stories. Her talent in music was expressed throughout her life, beginning with piano lessons as a child. In high school she played in the band’s percussion section and later learned to play the organ. Classical music was her favorite music genre. She preferred to play in private and was known to sneak into her family home when no one was there to play the grand piano her father had purchased many years ago.
She was “a funny, loving and joyful soul” said Sharon’s son Patrick at her passing. Word of her death spread quickly on Facebook, which was soon filled with warm memories of those she encountered in her beloved Luray, from childhood to retirement. She was described over and over as sweet and special, strong and amazing, welcoming and kind.
Her grandchildren are her legacy who made her beam with pride and joy, and she loved attending their games, performances and scouting events.
Sharon’s family is grateful to her soulmate and life partner, Harvey Henry, especially for his devoted caregiving as Sharon’s health declined before her passing.
Sharon’s ashes will be buried between her parents, whom she loved dearly.
The family asks that donations in Sharon’s memory be made to the SPCA.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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