Mrs. Darnelle McCleave Shadburn

Mrs. Darnelle McCleave Shadburn, age 81, of Macon, Georgia, entered her Heavenly home on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Lizella Baptist Church, with Rev. Chris Minton officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Mrs. Shadburn was the daughter of the late Joseph William McCleave and Bertha Ussery McCleave. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Tom Smalling Shadburn, and her grandson, Levi Shadburn.

Mrs. Shadburn was a faithful and devoted Christian whose life reflected her love for the Lord, her family, and her church. She was a lifelong member of Parkway Baptist Church and, following its closure, became a cherished member of Lizella Baptist Church.

For many years, she faithfully served alongside her husband in the operation of W. H. Shadburn Upholstery, where she worked as bookkeeper and office manager. Her strong work ethic, steady support, and caring spirit contributed greatly to the success of the family business.

Above all, Darnelle treasured her family. She found great joy in caring for and encouraging those she loved and was especially proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Trixie, whose faithful companionship brought her comfort, joy, and countless cherished moments over the years. Her kindness, gentle nature, and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Tommy Darrell Shadburn (Wanda), Kimberley Shadburn Carter (Norman), and Joseph Daniel Shadburn (Nicole); her special daughter, Naomi Kicklighter (Thomas); her grandchildren, Erica Thomaston (Tony), John Carter (Sorita), Whitley Manrodt (Ben), Hannah Townsend (Justin), Caleb Shadburn (Megan), and Seth Shadburn; and her great-grandchildren, Hannah Thomaston, Harper Thomaston, Hadley Thomaston, and Evelyn Shadburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International or to the Hope Cancer Fund at Lizella Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Latrelle Tripp and her dedicated staff for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Mrs. Shadburn during her final days. Their loving support, attentive care, and genuine concern brought great comfort to both Darnelle and her family and will always be remembered with deep appreciation.