Teralene “Terry” Stevens Foxx, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, January 5, 2026. She was a cherished wife, mother, and friend, and her absence will be deeply felt by many. Of this we are certain: she is healed and at peace, uplifted by our prayers, and safe in the presence of her Savior, Jesus.

Terry is survived by her best friend and husband, Charles Foxx; daughters: Alison Carlisi, Erin Chavez, Kerri Frazier; four grandchildren: Sean Carlisi, Cassandra Carlisi, Rosalyn Carlisi, Sydney Frazier; great-grandchild expected in March 2026, sister-in-law, Theresa Wishert, her dear lifelong friend Shannon Stevens Hoppe; and many treasured friends and family.

Terry was born in Boise, Idaho, on December 8, 1939, to Hazel and Jay Stevens. Her father later remarried Margaret Stevens, who lovingly raised Terry and her two sisters, Ann Bordner and Sally Ruh. Terry graduated from Twin Falls High School and then attended the College of Idaho, where she studied teaching and biology. It was there that she met her husband, Charles L. Foxx. They were married on September 10, 1961, and shared 64 years together.

Terry graduated from the College of Idaho with her teaching certification and went on to earn a master’s degree in parasitology from Kansas State University. She taught biology at the University of New Mexico in Los Alamos for six years before working as a biologist at Bandelier National Monument, studying archaeological sites. She was later recruited by Dr. Potter of UNM to study fire ecology in the Jemez Mountains, a field she would continue to study for nearly 40 years. Terry also worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory surveying sites for threatened and endangered species, retiring in 1999.

She served as president of the Pajarito Environmental Education Center and oversaw the groundbreaking of the Nature Center facility during her tenure. In retirement, she trained for and became the first Certified Lay Minister in New Mexico within the Methodist Church. Terry was a prolific author, celebrated artist, accomplished storyteller, speaker, teacher, master quilter, and most of all an adored mother to her three daughters, Alison, Erin, and Kerri.

Terry Foxx took the path less traveled and broke barriers wherever she went. As a young woman, she told her father she wanted to be a missionary, and he replied that she could only be a teacher, nurse, or secretary. During teacher training, a biology class revealed her true calling. Though discouraged by discrimination in graduate school, she persisted. Unlike most mothers of her time, Terry worked, bringing her children into the field each summer and blending motherhood with science. After retirement, she applied for lay pastor but was told she was too old. Undeterred, she joined the newly formed Certified Lay Minister program, fulfilling her lifelong desire to serve the Lord. When she started to use a walker, she even assessed trails in the Los Alamos area for accessibility by people with disabilities. In 2014 Terry was honored as a Living Treasure of Los Alamos and in 2019 she was presented an Alumni Service Award from the College of Idaho.

Terry was an engaging teacher who combined storytelling and art. She inspired many young scientists and believers, and her work continues to shape our understanding of fire’s role in ecosystems today. Her legacy of faith, love of nature, and perseverance will continue to influence those she loved and the world around her for years to come.

A memorial service will be held at White Rock United Methodist Church on February 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Streaming will be available for those unable to attend in person. Please email alisoncarlisi@yahoo.com if you would like to be included in streaming. A link will be shared in advance to the email you provide. A graveside service will be held in Caldwell, Idaho at a date to be arranged.