Shelley Petersen Lesher

Shelley Petersen Lesher, 72, of St James passed away Friday, January 18 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center. She was born in Denver CO to Charles C. and Lalla Kirkpatrick. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Patty Woerner. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jim; her daughter Christine Gavazzi and son Paul Petersen; her stepchildren Steve Lesher and Mitzi Lesher-Thomas; and eight grandchildren. Throughout her life her family always came first. After moving to St James, she discovered an athletic ability and renewed her love of bridge. She was an avid runner completing over a dozen half marathons in her sixties. She also discovered a love of pottery and displayed at Franklin Gallery. She felt that one of her greatest accomplishments while serving eight years on St James town council and four years as mayor, was the initiation and final approval of the St James town hall and community center. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday January 25 at St Phillips Episcopal Church. The family will hold a reception immediately after the service at the St James community center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.