Marie Henderson Sheldon

Marie Henderson Sheldon, 97, of Asheville, died January 1, 2015 at the Burke County Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese, NC, surrounded by her family. Marie had lived a long and fruitful life, keeping her wonderful humor and sharp intellect until the end. Marie was born in Greenwood, SC to the late Faira Corley Henderson and Robert Edgar Henderson. She was the youngest of three children. She moved to Asheville in 1927 at the age of 10. She graduated from Grace High School in 1935, where she loved to participate in plays and was the class secretary. Marie married Joseph Sheldon on August 2, 1941 at First Baptist Church of Asheville. They had a son, Michael and a daughter, Joyce. Their children will be forever blessed by the secure home and foundation of faith they established. Marie worked at Vaughn Russell Candies for many years. She spent her life always interested and compassionate for the needs of others. She served in the Homebound Ministry of her church and the Jubilee choir, and volunteered at ABCCM, but her biggest gift was teaching Sunday School to first grade children for 50 years. Marie lived and shared her faith in Jesus Christ her entire life. She was a member of First Baptist of Asheville for 84 years. A lifelong sports fan, she loved watching her San Antonio Spurs and New York Yankees, especially her "little Jeter". Recounting misplays at the breakfast table, she was called "coach emeritus" by her son-in-law. She was a wonderful cook and her family will have many memories of delicious meals prepared by her. In addition to her parents, Marie is predeceased by her husband, Joseph, who died in August of 1999, one sister, Frances Smith, one brother, Cecil Henderson and one son-in-law, Kenneth Towe, who died December 22, 2014. She is survived by one daughter, Joyce Towe of Wilmington, DE; one son, Michael Sheldon (Darlene) of Morganton and three grandchildren, Michael Towe (Tosha) of Middletown, DE, Kathleen Blodgett (Andrew) of Wilmington, DE and Timothy Sheldon (Sarah) of Asheville. Great-Granny was survived by four great-grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Jacob and Brianna. She is also survived by her beloved nephew, David "Arch" Smith (Diana) and his family. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Asheville. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM on Monday at the church. Interment will follow at Lewis Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baptist Children's Homes of NC, Inc., PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.