December 9, 1945 - January 19, 2021

Miriam Agnes Grier Fulton passed on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 surrounded by family at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian, Florida from Covid-related complications.  She left us with the same grace and dignity in which she lived her entire life.

Growing up in the foothills of North Carolina, Miriam enjoyed a childhood filled with love, laughter and life on the farm.  Miriam was fortunate to attend some of the best schools in Mecklenburg County as well as North and South Carolina.  She began with a private Christian Day School at Calvary Presbyterian Church.  Fourth and fifth grades at Midwood School in the Plaza Section, sixth and seventh at Statesville Road Elementary where she began her 4-H work.  Ninth grade at Derita Junior High, here a cheerleader and holding office in FHA, earning the Crisco Award in Home Economics presented by Miss Britt.  She continued FHA work and SOL at East Mecklenburg High School until graduation.

Miriam continued her interest in homemaking at Limestone College, Gaffney, South Carolina, graduating with a B.S. in Home Economics on May 14, 1967.  Limestone College and its Faculty were an inspiration to Miriam.  For the four years, she was active in all matters pertaining to Bachelor of Science, serving other people as well as building a major in Home Economics.  Activities of her senior year at Limestone were:  Class President, President of Home Economics Club, active in the South Carolina FHA Association, and Chairman of the Miss Limestone Contest.  Miriam was one of ten students selected by Limestone to Who's Who of American Colleges and Universities and was presented the coveted Crisco Award by Mrs. Ruth Lane, Associate Professor of Home Economics and Education at Limestone, for the most outstanding student in Home Economics.

Miriam left her hometown of Charlotte to pursue her dream of becoming both a homemaker and educator, and embarked on her lifetime mission to nurture and serve others.  Upon graduating from Limestone College (Class of 1967), and against her father's best wishes, Miriam moved to the coast of South Carolina to waitress for the summer, sharpening her shagging skills, and applying for her first "real" job as a teacher.  Her teaching career began at Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, Florida where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Wilson Fulton, Jr.  Miriam and Bob celebrated their love for one another with a winter wedding and were married on December 22, 1968 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.  In 1971, Miriam earned her Master's in Education from University of Florida.  Go Gators!

Bob and Miriam moved back to her home state of North Carolina in 1975, building their home on her family's 100-or-so-acre farmland in Monroe, Union County, lovingly known as Flint Hill Farm.  This is where all 3 children were raised, and where Miriam resided with Bob for over 40 years.

A lifetime educator, Miriam became a National Board Certified Teacher in 1999 (renewed in 2009).  She taught most every age from preschool through adulthood, finding her niche with students in the 5th grade at Western Union Elementary for many years.  Her patience and dedication for those who needed more afforded great opportunities for students and colleagues fortunate enough to cross her path.  Miriam retired from her teaching career in 2012. She enjoyed time spent in nature and with her grandchildren, including walks around the pond, feeding the wildlife, caring for feral cats, along with many visits to her childrens' homes.

Miriam will forever be remembered as a beloved wife and mother, passionate educator, devout Christian, lovely pianist, and epitome of southern grace.  Miriam was born in Charlotte, NC on December 9th, 1945 and was the second of two children born to William R. Grier, Jr. and Veola M. Johnson.  Mrs. Fulton leaves behind her husband Robert W. Fulton, Jr., and her children Robert W. Fulton, III (Nikki) of Waxhaw, NC, Alison F. Gordon (Mark) of Wilmington, NC, and Jennifer F. Moon of Satellite Beach, FL, to cherish her memory.

Her grandchildren are Logan M. and Brandon M. Fulton, and Holden W. Miller of Waxhaw, NC, and Emma E., Kaitlyn E., and Makena K. Gordon of Wilmington, NC, and Maleah I. and Kingston C. Moon of Satellite Beach, FL.

Her remaining sibling is William R. Grier, III of Charlotte, NC.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mrs. Fulton this spring in honor of her favorite season. In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of the family that any memorials be made to the Cardinal Fund, a scholarship fund created in Miriam's honor for students attending an outdoor preschool, Nature Connect's Farm School in Wilmington, NC.  For more information regarding Miriam's Celebration of Life or donations for the Cardinal Fund, please contact Alison Gordon at (321) 266-6122 or visit www.natureconnectnc.org/donate .