Shelby Storms

Shelby Hester Storms, 69, of Bladenboro entered into eternal rest Friday, August 16, 2013. She was predeceased by parents, Edward Daniel and Grace Smith Hester; step father, Julian Shaw; two sisters, Doris H. Gulledge and Fran H. Penny; a niece, June Kinlaw Koenig, and nephew Tommy Evans.
Survivors include Shelby's childhood sweetheart and husband of 51 years, William R. (Billy) Storms; three children, Ray Storms and wife Brenda of Bladenboro; Karen S. Long and husband Matthew of Bladenboro and April Storms-Britt and husband Don of Whiteville; Grandchildren, Seth Storms, Shelby Madison Storms, McKenzie Long, Trey Storms and Bella Britt.

Family was the core of Shelby's essence. She spent much of her life as a wife, mother, and homemaker. Her sweet Christian spirit, kind and loving nature will be sorely missed by everyone she knew. Shelby never met a stranger and possessed a servant's heart. Ever thoughtful and willing to listen, she was a wonderful friend and mentor to many.

She loved the beach, traveling with family, friends, the Junior Women's Book Guild, pageants, and a blessed church family. Great happiness to Shelby was any opportunity given her to learn, share with and help others. When Shelby's children left the nest, she founded and operated Family Diet Clinic of Bladenboro, Lumberton, Fayetteville, and Laurinburg. A successful business venture where she, again, helped others to visualize and reach personal goals.

It was 1961 when Shelby became interested in Scholarship pageants. She was named Miss Bladenboro that same year. Later she won the Miss Selenea College and NC Tobacco pageants, among others. She was a former Mrs. NC America. It was at the level of Mrs. America that 54 peers voted her the Congeniality Award. Shelby's life was full. She was a beautiful woman and exceptional lady whose contagious smile and precious warmth will be remembered by many.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Bladenboro with Rev. Bert Young officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Bladenboro, PO Box 176, Bladenboro, NC 28320 or the American Heart Association, 615 Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.