Lula Bearden

Lula Bearden
AIKEN - Lula Mae Jones Fox Bearden passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025 at the age of 101. She was the daughter of the late John Jones and Lottie Corder Jones, and one of six children. Born in Saluda County, she lived in Ridge Spring and Monetta throughout her childhood.
Ms. Jones was the wife of Mark O'Neal Fox from 1942 until his death in 1961, and together they had three children: Dwight O'Neal, Donna Carol and Mark Alan. She married John Albert Bearden in 1963, and they were married for 56 years until his death in 2019. There were four children from Mr. Bearden's first marriage: Tony Albert, Judy Ann, Sandra Louise and David Grady.
Mrs. Bearden was of the Baptist faith. She was an active member in all of the churches she attended over the years. She had a beautiful voice. Singing in her church choir was a very important part of her worship service to her Lord. Most recently, she was a member of Central Baptist Church in Aiken.
Mrs. Bearden was a homemaker, a wonderful cook and loving mother. She was always impeccably dressed, and her dinner table presentations were beautiful. She enjoyed cooking for family and others who were unwell. Throughout her life, Mrs. Bearden worked outside the home in retail sales, where she thrived. While living in Greenville, SC, she was active in the Order of the Eastern Star for many years and ascended to the presiding officer, Worthy Matron. She loved spending time with her friends, as well.
Surviving children are Donna Rankin (Harry), Mark Alan Fox (Teresa), Tony Bearden (Lisa), Sandy Clark and David Bearden (Karen). Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, and is predeceased by her children, Dwight Fox and Judy Brown, siblings, Elloree Shepard, Omar Jones, RL Jones, Ruth Morris and Lorenzo Jones.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 9, 2025 with visitation at 1:00 PM at the Shellhouse Funeral Home located at 924 Hayne Ave., Aiken, SC. The Rev. Danny Wilson is officiating. Interment will follow at the Central Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Whetstone, Doug Gregory, Mark O'Neal Fox, Jameon Whetstone, Preston Smith and Carson Smith.
Mrs. Bearden was a resident of NHC, North Augusta for the last eight years of her life. The family is appreciative of the compassionate care she consistently received from the staff of the Magnolia Wing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Central Baptist Church, Heating and Air Fund, 1652 Wire Rd., Aiken, SC 29805.
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801