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Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, 106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC (2026)

08/29/2026

George Aston Adams Jr.

George Aston Adams Jr., 84, of Shelby, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at the Wendover Hospice House. A native of Fulton County, Georgia, he was born October 06, 1941 to the late George Aston Adams Sr. and Faith Davis Adams.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Brenda Kale Adams and a sister, Jackie McFarland Adams.

George retired from BellSouth after 30 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard.

A devoted and active member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, George faithfully served in many areas of ministry throughout the years. He served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and shared his faith and knowledge through teaching in the church. His commitment to his church family was an important part of his life.

George had a great love for sports and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed playing tennis and pickleball, boating, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and the NC State Wolfpack. He also found pleasure in working in his yard, playing cards, and, most of all, spending cherished time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Carolyn Ann Holland Adams of the home.

Daughters, Kimberly Leigh Adams and Michelle “Missy” Adams York; son, George Mitchell “Mitch” Adams (Robin), all of Shelby; stepdaughters, Tammera Rollins Spake (Michael Ray), Patti Rollins Moser (Dennis William);

Grandchildren, Katie, Grace (Landyn), Samantha, Zack, step-grandchildren, Lauren (Zack), Jon Michael (Marybeth), Mackenzie (Dan), Lexie (Tom); and eight great grandchildren, with one on the way; brothers, Bob Adams (Margie) and Dave Adams (Trudy); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM at Elizabeth Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 with Reverend Dr. Rit Varriale officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Burial will be at the Concord Church Cemetery in Catawba, NC at 4:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation Building Fund of Elizabeth Baptist Church.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.

View George Aston Adams Jr.'s obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/27/2026

Sarah LuEllen Hamilton Smith

Sarah LouEllen Hamilton Smith, 80, of Shelby, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Wendover Hospice House. A native of Mecklenburg County, she was born May 11, 1946 to the late Paul Webster Hamilton and Lora Bright Hamilton.

Sarah was a devoted homemaker for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Edwin Smith.

Survivors include her sisters, Marie Hamilton Young and husband Junior, of Stanley, and Paula Ann Hamilton Anthony and husband Robert, of Shelby; and her nieces and nephews.

A service from the graveside will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Forest Lawn West Memorial Park, 4601 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208 with Reverend Richard Stroup officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VIA Hospice Partners of Cleveland County.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.

View Sarah LuEllen Hamilton Smith's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/25/2026

Ricky "Rick" Dean Justice

Ricky “Rick” Dean Justice, 71, of Shelby, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026 at his residence. A native of Cleveland County, he was born January 7, 1955 to the late Richard and Yvonne Simpson Justice.

Rick was a graduate of Crest High School. He spent most of his career working as a Warehouse Supervisor at Celanese. Rick was an active member of Double Springs Baptist Church and in [past years was very involved in many activities, singing in the choir, sounds of victory, men's chorus, ensemble, the singing Christmas tree, and handbells. He also ran the church sound system for many years. Rick loved fishing and deer hunting, softball, auto racing, bowling, cutting his grass, working on and painting vehicles, and model cars. He was a volunteer Fireman for #7 Fire Department for 12 years.

He was a simple man who loved our Lord and Savior and loved sharing his faith with others. Rick loved his family dearly and treasured all the wonderful memories through the years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jason Justice; and a granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth Justice.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Sherry Bowen Justice, of the home; son, Casey Justice and wife Amber, of Shelby; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Justice, of Shelby; a brother, Carl Justice (Kim) of California; grandchildren, Haley, Brandon, Maggie, Miles, and Maddox; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Liam, and Bella; niece, Kyleena, of Virginia; and a nephew, Alan (Rachel), of Colorado. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Pat Bowen, of Shelby, sister-in-law, Judy McElrath and husband Dean, of Black Mountain; and several additional nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Double Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Dale Byrd officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Inurnment will follow privately for the family in the church cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

View Ricky Justice's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/21/2026

Doris Meekins

Doris Rich Meekins, known as "DeeDee" by her grandchildren, formerly of Mecklenburg County, N.C., late of Belmont, Gaston County, N.C., died on August 20, 2026, at the age of 92.

Doris was born on March 28, 1934, in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Ralph Edgar Rich and Leah Prudhomme Rich. The Rich family lived in Atlanta for most of Doris’s formative years before later moving to Port Saint Joe, Florida. It was there that she met her husband, Fred, on a blind date while he was serving in the Air Force. They married in 1953 and remained married until Fred’s death in 2019.

Doris is survived by her three children and their families: son Frederick C. Meekins, Jr. and wife Jennifer E. Meekins (Jenny) of Whiteville, N.C. and their daughter, Kathryn (Kate) Meekins of Nashville TN, daughter Mary M. Moore of Belmont and her sons, Douglas Moore and wife Maeve, of Charlotte, N.C., and Daniel Moore, of Belmont, N.C.; and son Ralph W. Meekins and wife Loann S. Meekins, and their children, Major Ralph William Meekins, Jr. and wife Lyndsey W. Meekins and their children, Ransom, Posy, Darby, and Emmons, of Shelby, N.C., and daughter Ann Chapin Meekins Burnham and husband Chase Burnham and their children, Cash and McCall (with a little one expected in October), of Raleigh, N.C.

Doris was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and most of her time was spent in some way supporting her many family members. She was a very talented artist and avid painter who taught many others how to paint. She painted portraits for countless people, including portraits of infants and young people who had passed away, given as gifts to ease the family’s suffering — oftentimes for people she did not even know. She also spent hundreds of hours visiting local nursing homes to teach art to the residents.

Doris was a member of Holy Comforter Church in Charlotte and also attended St. Michael’s Anglican Church for many years under the leadership of Rector Richard Bakley, where she painted the Twelve Stations of the Cross for the church’s outdoor gardens. She also served for years as a volunteer "assistant coach" for her best friend, Penny Brawley, UNC Charlotte’s all-time winningest women’s tennis coach. Doris was more of a second mother to the young women on the tennis team, some of whom came from distant lands.

The family would like to thank the wonderful Shelby Manor employees and residents who took such good care of Doris; some of these wonderful angels became family members themselves. The family requests that any gifts of love be given to Shelby Manor, in care of Chelsey Cole, to be used at her discretion to benefit the residents and staff at Shelby Manor.

The family will celebrate Doris’s wonderful life at a family gathering in the near future. Her ashes will be buried alongside her husband, Fred, at Holy Comforter Church in Charlotte in the coming weeks.

View Doris Meekins's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/21/2026

Sandy Beason

Sandra Leigh Beason (Sandy) passed away peacefully at her home on August 20th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Sandy was born on January 20th, 1956 to Stan and Ruth Sherman of Shelby, NC. who preceded her in death, and is survived by her brothers Bill Sherman (Lydia) of Boiling Springs, and Steve Sherman (Gloria) of Shelby.

Sandy married her high school sweetheart, and the love of her life, Jimmy Beason on June 16th, 1978. During their 48 years of marriage, Sandy and Jimmy were blessed with 3 children, Jim (Dawn) of Boiling Springs, Josh (Jamie) of Boiling Springs, and Jennifer Kerley (Dustin) of Boone. Sandy’s seven grandchildren that Sandy absolutely adored, are James Beason, Jude Beason, Eliza Beason, Mavryk Beason, all of Boiling Springs, and Emerson Kerley, Porter Kerley, and London Kerley of Boone N.C. Sandy is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she cherished and supported throughout her life, and loved her dearly.

Sandy spent her entire adult life making an impact in the lives of children as well as adults. She began working at an early age at Ballanger’s Daycare, loving and nurturing babies and children. She loved the blessing of keeping and caring for her grandchildren as long as she could. Sandy was employed by Cleveland County Schools working with children at Crest Middle School and Springmore Elementary School. She built relationships with staff members, families, and students that made a positive difference in their lives.

Sandy accepted Christ as her savior at a young age, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Shelby for many years. After moving to Boiling Springs she joined Boiling Springs Baptist Church and became a big part of the choir. She loved and enjoyed praising God through song, and did so from her hospital bed and at home this past year.

Sandy lived her life as a true example of a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed every moment spent with her family and friends, from the beaches of North Carolina to the mountains of Boone and West Virginia. She will be dearly missed by everyone that loved her.

Arrangements are being taken care of by Cecil Burton Funeral Home. A service to honor the life of Sandra Leigh Beason will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at 2:00 at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and kindness that has been shown, and will receive friends after the service.

Memorials can be made to Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, North Carolina 953 Wendover Heights Dr. and Boiling Springs Baptist Church, Boiling Springs NC.

Online Condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

View Sandy Beason's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/17/2026

Kay Phillips

Dora Kay Morrison Phillips, 75, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026. Born in Cleveland County on September 2, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Jenkins and Viola Blankenship Morrison. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Nancy Lovelace and Patricia Champion.

Kay found joy in the simple things in life. She loved flowers and spending time planting and caring for them, and she never passed up an opportunity to shop or find a good bargain. She was a wonderful cook and, above all, a devoted mother. She had a way of making things better and could fix just about any problem in the way only a mother could.

Kay is survived by her husband, James “Jimmy” Phillips; her daughters, Angela Culbertson (Michael) and Dawn Walker (Jody Pilkington); and her son, Carl Wayne Weathers, Jr. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Miranda Ayers (Jamie), Allie Ayers, Taylor Whitesides (Westley), Mason Walker (Madelyn), Devon Triplett (Jared), and Gunnar Weathers (Gracie); and her seven great-grandchildren, Benzley, Baela, Brixlee, Graylee, Kinley, Colton, and Ellison, with two more great-grandsons on the way.

Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Imogene “Jean” Price, Jackie Gold, Delores “Doodle” Webb, and Deborah “Debbie” Shytles (Mark); her brother, Jimmy Morrison (Sandra); and her beloved fur babies, who were an important part of her family.

To honor Kay’s life, the family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 PM at Rose Hill Memorial Park, officiated by Pastor Eric Davis.

Memorial donations may be made in Kay’s memory to Clifford’s Army Rescue: https://cliffordsarmyrescue.com

Online condolences may be shared with the family through the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory website.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

View Kay Phillips's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/14/2026

Janet Anne Shytle

Janet Anne Shytle, 77, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in Dallas, North Carolina. Born on August 17, 1948, in Shelby, North Carolina, Janet was the oldest of five children of Bill and Peggy Shytle, who preceded her in death. Her sister “Micki” also preceded her in death.

Janet’s surviving family includes her brothers and her sisters-in-law: Steve and Diane Shytle of Belmont; Todd and Mandy Shytle of Charlotte; and Joel and Diane Shytle of Knoxville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Stephen, Aaron, Joann, Carmen, and Lia.

Janet earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and later a Master’s degree from Gardner Webb University. She spent many years teaching various levels in various school systems.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 17, 2026 in the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home with Pastor Stephen Shytle officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Carolina Caring Foundation at 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC, 28658.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

View Janet Anne Shytle's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/10/2026

Sarah Ellen Stephens Stanley

Sarah Stephens Stanley, of Smyrna, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026.

Sarah was born September 23, 1940. A member of Smyrna First Baptist Church, she was a devoted wife and mother. She had a curious but quick-witted, funny spirit, with a lifelong desire to learn and experience the world around her. A former flight attendant with a love of travel, she fulfilled a lifelong dream to see the world, traveling with her husband and daughter to almost every continent.

She passed that same curiosity to her daughter encouraging her to keep learning and to treat others as she would want to be treated. Sarah was faithful and lived by the belief that it was better to give than to receive. Always willing to help anyone in need she passed that kindness for others on to her daughter. She was a devoted mother to her daughter and best friend.

She was preceded in death by her faithful and loving husband of 57 years, Charlie “Russell” Stanley; her mother, Opal Starr Nix Mobley; her father, Andrew Stephens; and several beloved aunts, uncles, brothers/sisters-in-law, and dear friends.

Sarah is survived by her daughter, Stacy Lynn Stanley of Kings Mountain, NC, and her beloved cats, Stitch, Aubie, and Monty; her brothers, Mac Stephens of Fayetteville, Georgia, and Gene Stephens of Rex, Ga; Niece Harriet Stephens Bankston (Jim) of Fayetteville, Ga; Nephew Thomas Stephens (Lisa) of LaGrange, Ga; her niece by marriage, Marla Garrison (Mike) of Smyrna, Ga; several nieces and nephews, as well as many dear and lifelong friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church with Reverend Father Elliott C. Suttle presiding.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her memory to St. Mary’s Help of Christians via online giving. https://saintmaryshelby.org/online-giving

Online condolences may be shared with the family through the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory website.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Stanley family.

View Sarah Ellen Stephens Stanley's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/10/2026

Gary Ritchie

Gary Walter Ritchie, 78, of Shelby, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Valdese, North Carolina, on August 9, 1947.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, craftsman, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Moody Ritchie; his daughters, Amber Ritchie Rickertsen and her husband, Seth, and Pamela Ritchie; and his beloved grandchildren, Anson and Ollie Splain, whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother and best friend, David Ritchie of Hickory, NC, his wife Mary, their daughters Suzanne and Teresa and their families.

Gary proudly served his country as an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, spending two years stationed in Thailand. Following his military service, he built a successful career in accounting, owning and operating his accounting firm in Shelby for 30 years before retiring in 2010.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. Gary became a professional woodworker, co-owning Turning Tree Workshop, putting his considerable skill, patience, and love of working with his hands into his craft. He loved making things and problem solving—and he took particular pride in the fact that, despite a lifetime of close calls, he managed to make it to the end with all ten fingers intact.

Gary loved his family above all else. He also enjoyed poker, western movies, adventures with grandkids, and a good laugh. He was generous, funny, and always willing to lend a hand. His humor, craftsmanship, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

To celebrate the life of Gary, a visitation will be held from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Friday, August 14, 2026 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Life Enrichment Center 110 Life Enrichment Blvd, Shelby, NC 28150, Art Space Charter School 2030 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778, Burke Arts Council 506 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

View Gary Ritchie's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/09/2026

Doris H. Lowery

Doris Hoyle Lowery, 88, of Shelby N.C., passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026. A native of Cleveland County, she was born on November 3, 1937, to the late Jack David and Flavie Brittain Hoyle of Lawndale, N.C.

Doris graduated from Polkville High School and then furthered her education and graduated from Rutherford Hospital’s Nursing Program as a Registered Nurse. During this program she was partnered with Duke University and did extensive training on their campus which made her a lifelong Blue Devils fan. Doris started her career at Cleveland Memorial Hospital in the Labor and Delivery Department. She next ventured into industrial nursing working at both The Esther Mill and Kemet Electronics. After retiring from Kemet, she taught CNA classes at Cleveland Community College for several years. She was a faithful member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Shelby and active in the Bayliss Sunday School Class.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Hollis Lee Lowery, sisters and brothers in law Janice Hoyle Lee and Carme Lee, Shirley Hoyle Tate and Jimmie Tate, and brother in law Everette “Speedy” Hoyle.

Those left to treasure her memories are her daughter, Cynthia Lowery McGrady (Michael), two granddaughters, Tiffany Paige Cantrell and Bailey Elizabeth Jamison (Phillip); and one sister Ruby Hoyle. She leaves behind many special nieces and nephews who have been very supportive of her over the years.

The family gratefully acknowledges the kindness, patience, and love shown by the whole staff of Shelby Manor and VIA-Hospice Partners.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 1:00pm on Wednesday August 12, 2026. The Funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 pm in the Church Sanctuary with Reverend Curtis Goforth officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fallston.

Memorials may be made to VIA-Hospice Partners of Cleveland County or Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences can be made on the Cecil Burton website at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

View Doris H. Lowery's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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