THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

LINWOOD - Ronnie "Ron" Mitchell Biggerstaff, 79, left his earthly body behind on Sunday, March 29, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., April 11, 2026 at Cleveland Memorial Park.  Services provided by Clay-Barnette Funeral Home and Aquamation Center.  To order memorial trees  or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronnie Mitchell Biggerstaff, please visit our flower store .

John Henderson, a devoted family man and cherished member of his community, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, North Carolina. Born on September 11, 1944, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, John’s life was marked by steadfast love, commitment, and a deep passion for the simple joys that filled his days. John was a faithful member of In His Hands Independent Baptist Church and was married for 38 years to his beloved wife, Shirley

Earleen Lemons Camp, 81, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on March 25, 2026, at Wendover Hospice in Cleveland County. She was born on November 16, 1944, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, and was preceded in death by her mother, Addie Bowen Plummer. Earleen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She first worked in the cafeteria at Bethware Elementary School an

Janith Carol Hensley, born on June 11, 1945, in Shelby, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, in Bostic, North Carolina, at the age of 80. With a life rich in love, devotion, and service, Janith left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. Janith's journey was one defined by hard work and dedication. For 25 years, she dedicated herself to her work at John Deere in Boiling Springs, NC. She was also a caregiver, sitting with and assisting elderly friends

SHELBY- Sammy E. Mills, aged 92, peacefully departed this life on March 17, 2026, at his residence, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast faith, service, and love. Born in the humble surroundings of McDowell County on October 17, 1933, Sammy's life was a testament to devotion—both to his family and his community. A proud veteran, Sammy honorably served his country as a member of the United States Navy for 12 years. His brave service included participation in the Korean War and

Gastonia  - Christine Elizabeth Grooms McLeod left this world peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Gastonia, NC, at the age of 87. She was born on October 12, 1938, in Sumter, SC. Christine was preceded in death by her loving parents, Manson and Retus Grooms, and her sisters, Lois Eargle, Kathryn Parrish, and Vivian Floyd. She leaves behind her children, Kaye Baldwin and husband James, Laurice Prince and husband Eddie, and Julie Dabbs. She is survived by her brothers, Bob Grooms

Mary JoAnn Card, born October 15, 1983, formally from Murphy, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 15, 2026, in Charlotte at the age of 42. JoAnn was a shining light to all who knew her. She never met a stranger and was a joy to be around, leaving an indelible mark on everyone with her boundless warmth and kindness. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Piper Card, and their three sons, William, Alex, and Eli, who were the center of her universe.

SHELBY - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Steven "Steve" Lee Moore, who left this world on March 15, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on October 7, 1962, in Cleveland County, Steve's journey concluded in Shelby, surrounded by the love of his cherished family. Steve was a man of quiet strength and subtle humor. While initially reserved, those fortunate enough to know him quickly discovered his sharp wit and sarcastic charm. His love for life was evident in his passion

Sidney Greene Blanton, born June 11, 1941, in Shelby, North Carolina, passed away on March 22, 2026, at Atrium Health in Shelby, North Carolina. He was a distinguished professional whose career spanned over three decades in the textile industry, where he made significant contributions as the Human Resources Director at Dover Mills / Doran Textiles in Shelby, NC. Sidney concluded his career after retiring from Four Leaf Textiles in Clover, South Carolina.    A proud graduate o

Linda Eskew Whitesides, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at White Oak Manor in Shelby, North Carolina. Born on September 5, 1943, in Shelby, Linda lived a life infused with love, faith, and community. As a lifelong member of Westwood Heights Baptist Church in Shelby, Linda found joy and purpose in serving others. Her musical talents shone brightly as she played the piano for the church, bringing melodies that warmed the hearts

James Clayton Little Jr. of Shelby, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at Wendover Hospice House. Born on September 29, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, James lived a life characterized by commitment to Christ, and love for his family and community. James's career spanned over four decades as a dedicated car salesman, where his expertise and passion left an indelible mark in the industry. A proud graduate of Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC, he continue

Melvin Archie Henderson, a cherished member of the Shelby, North Carolina community, passed away peacefully at his residence on March 1, 2026, at the age of 79. Born September 14, 1946, in Shelby, Melvin dedicated a significant portion of his life to a rewarding career as a truck driver, ultimately retiring after years of hard work and dedication. Melvin had a passion for working on old cars and lawnmowers, often losing himself in the intricacies of mechanics in his workshop.

Shelby, N.C. – Beverly Ann Byrd Borders, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cherished friend and former teacher to so many, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Feb. 26, 2026. Beverly was born in 1952, in Granite Falls, N.C., to Willie and Mack Ray Byrd. After she graduated from UNC Greensboro, she landed a teaching position in Shelby, where she met her husband Robert “Bob” Wilson Borders Jr. They were married on June 26, 1976. Beverly was a National Board-Certified te

Linda Ann White Edwards, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 15, 2026, in her hometown of Shelby, North Carolina, where she was born on May 8, 1944. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Married for an enduring 62 years to her cherished husband, John Thomas Edwards Jr., Linda's love story was one that inspired many. Together, they built a foundation of love that would sup

Billy Joe Bryant, a dedicated general contractor, beloved family man, and strong believer in Jesus Christ, passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 48 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Born on December 9, 1977, in Catawba County, North Carolina, Billy grew up with a passion for construction, establishing a successful career as a general contractor, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. Billy is survived by his loving girlfriend

Shirley Maydean Hutchins Bright, born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, on April 28, 1939, peacefully departed this life on February 14, 2026, at White Oak Manor in Shelby, NC. She was a remarkable woman whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Shirley lived a life full of love, devotion, and the simple joys of nature. Her passion for gardening blossomed into a cherished hobby, filling her home with the vibrant colors of flowers and the soothing so

Bobbie Dean Ingle, 93, a cherished member of the Shelby community and devoted family man, departed this life on Feb. 4, 2026, in his beloved hometown of Shelby, North Carolina. Born on July 17, 1932, Bobbie's life was a testament to service, dedication, and love. His formative years in Shelby shaped a character marked by unwavering commitment to both his nation and his community. Bobbie's distinguished military service in the United States Navy, where he proudly served aboard

Johnnie Lavone Greene, 83, of Shelby, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Johnnie is survived by her sister, Tena Greene Murray and husband Robert of Shelby, NC. Born June 23, 1942, in Cleveland County, NC, Johnnie was the daughter of the late Carrie Evelyn Greene, a niece, Kimberly Smith of Pickens, SC, a nephew, Jeff Murray and wife Lisa of Mooresboro, NC, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Johnnie was a loving sister and friend to all. She

SHELBY -  After an exceptional, trailblazing life spanning over a century, Dorothy (“Dot”) Mulder Roark, age 101, passed away at home on Christmas Day – December 25, 2025. Born in Holland, Michigan, on December 19, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Hattie (Brummel) Mulder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Cathryn Mulder, and her brothers Art, Earl, Ray, Elmer, and Harold Mulder. She was also predeceased by her husband of 58 y

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Tallent Hafer, 89, of Shelby, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Roe Lemmuel Hafer of the home, her children, Tim Tallent and wife Teresa of Shelby, NC, four grandchildren, Ansley Tallent of Raleigh, NC, Matthew Tallent of Asheville, NC, Katelyn Tallent of Raleigh, NC, and Garrett Tallent and wife Emma of Italy, two great grandchildren, Peter Michael Tallent and Walden Tallent, and two treasure