Sallie Mae Shell

Sallie Mae Shell, age 76, of Lenoir, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir. Ms. Shell was born Nov. 5, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Samuel Edward and Ann Johnson Shell. She was affectionately raised by her grandparents, Grandfathers Edward Shell and Malachi Harshaw and Grandma Annie Corpening.

Sallie was a 1965 graduate of Freedman High School here in Lenoir, where she excelled in all her studies. She was employed by Blue Ridge Community Action for 47+ years, where she retired as a Program Analyst IV. Sallie wore many hats during her time at Blue Ridge such as clerical, bookkeeping, weatherization, and more. Her civil recognition includes BRCA Shining Star recipient and NC Notary Public which enriched lives daily.

Sallie was a worker in the ministry of the Lord, throughout her entire life. Serving at New Covenant United Methodist Church, being recognized for Dedication in Laity Ministry, the ABCD Award for her performance above and beyond the call of duty, usher board, and avid Sunday school teacher where her class was embarked with her ageless wisdom and love. Sallie was a great outdoors woman, loving to work in her yard, garden and flowers. She was in touch with nature. Sallie was an avid traveler, having hit the road and traveled to Jamaica, Canada, US Virgin Island, and the entire east coast, enjoying life.

In addition to her parents, Sallie was preceded in death by brothers, Robert Shell, Samuel Shell, June Harshaw and her special friend, James "Eddie" Witherspoon.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Dorothy "Nina" Wilson of Hickory, Van Shell of Lenoir and Edward "Bam" Shell (Tonya) of Boomer; her siblings, Michael Shell, Elmer Johnson, Betty Mack (Roster), Linetta Pope, Annette Johnson, Mary Jo Johnson, and Josephine Shell, all of Ohio; her 15 grandchildren, her 22 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Nannie", and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends who loved her and share her memory.

Sallie had a smile and kind, encouraging words for everyone., she loved to dance, and she never met a stranger. Sallie was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother and a loyal and faithful friend to many. Sweet (sassy) Sallie, rest from your labor, your work is done.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home in Lenoir.

A funeral service will be held at New Covenant Campus 2 Church (Harpers Chapel) in Lenoir on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Burial will follow the service at Harpertown Cemetery in Lenoir.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons and nephews. Nieces will serve as flower girls.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shell family.