Shelva Jean Hawkins Wilson age 87 passed away on Monday November 4th, 2024 at White Oak Manor with her daughters and other family by her side. Mrs. Wilson was born in Cleveland County on December 26th, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Lillie Hawkins, Lawrence Hawkins Sr and wife Sophia. Mrs. Wilson was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church where she served in many roles including choir, Sunday school teacher, member of the Joy Club, Baskets of Love and most recently card ministry which she loved.

Shelva attended Appalachian State University two years after graduating from Lattimore High School. She stepped away from college to become a loving wife and mother of four girls. While the girls were still young she started work at Lattimore Elementary School in the cafeteria. Later on she became a teacher aide and then at the age of 45 she went back to college to complete her teachers degree. She graduated from Gardner Webb University in 1981 and became a first grade teacher.

She retired with tenure after teaching at Lattimore Elementary School, Fallston Elementary School and Union Elementary School. Shelva loved to cook, especially with food from her own garden or for family events such as birthdays or holidays. She also loved listening to music, singing or playing the piano.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert "Bill" Wilson, her daughters Donna Leia Wilson and Debbie Wilson Bridges and a brother L.R Hawkins Jr.

Shelva is survived by her brother Jimmy Hawkins and two daughter, Denise Rankin and husband David and Deedee Canipe, six grandchildren, Amanda Carpenter, John Bridges and wife Crystal, Matt Rankin, Mike Rankin and wife Nicole, Siera Canipe, Shane Canipe and seven great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Carpenter, Savannah Carpenter, Dakota Carpenter, Mason Carpenter, Carter Bridges, Weston Bridges and Kinsley Rankin.

The family would like to thank White Oak Manor for the exceptional care they gave Mama/Memie during her stay. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Cleveland County or the Levines Children Center.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Friday, November 8, 2024 in the Family Life Center of Double Springs Baptist Church followed by a funeral service beginning at 2:30 PM. The Rev. Dale Byrd and Rev. Ron Arndt are officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Double Springs Baptist Church: 1130 Double Springs Church Rd, Shelby, NC 28150

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

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