Stella Shelton White

Stella Shelton White, 97, of Morganton, North Carolina,  stepped into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of February 7, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family.  She was a devoted wife to the late Rev. Robert A. White for over 63 years, a loving mother to her children, and “granny” to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. Stella was born on January 1, 1925 to Lewis and Anna Coats Shelton in Halifax County, Virginia.  She married Robert Andrew White on October 10, 1942.

After her husband surrendered to preach the Gospel in 1948, she became a beloved Pastor’s wife to congregations in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, where her husband faithfully served.  Her compassion, wisdom and prayerful spirit helped her touch the hearts of people wherever she went.  Her love for Christ was also shown in her gift of hospitality. She welcomed people into her home for the next 73 years and was known for her incredible cooking skills and making anyone feel at home.  She found a place at her table for church members, pastors, missionaries, friends and her family that she saw as her treasures. 

Her servant’s heart and love for her family, led her to stay at home and raise her children and grandchildren, with expert care and an unconditional love that is rarely found in this world. 

She is called blessed by her five children – Terry Newton (Andy) of Morganton, N.C.; Kathy Burrows (Bill) of Spartanburg, S.C.; Joan Poole of Simpsonville, S.C.; David White (Lynn) of Easley, S.C.; and Paul White of Greenville, S.C.  She loved her sons in law and daughter in law, like they were her own.

Her grandchildren Chris Brockmeier (Angie), Jonathan Brigman, Angela Holland (Glen), Lesley Williams (Brad), Josh Grant (Heather), Morgan Dorriety (Aaron) and Victoria White were privileged to know the love of their “Granny” for so many years.  She has been blessed with 10 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister Eunice Estes of South Boston, VA and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers Dudley Shelton, Warren Shelton, her sisters Bea Wilburn, Estelle Estes, Inez Kramer, her great grandson, Dillan Brockmeier and her son in law, T Wayne Poole.

She loved her church family and Pastor Tim Hodge and his wife Loree, at Trinity Baptist Church in Valdese, N.C. and counted it a great joy to be a member of such a loving and giving group of people.

Flowers are welcome at the service or memorials may be made to the Operation Christmas Child Ministry c/o Tapestry Church,  25 Woods Lake Road Suite 100, Greenville, SC. 29607.  Your gift can be earmarked in honor of Stella White.  This is a ministry that Stella supported and where her family works on this mission project each year.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  and a Celebration and Memorial Service will begin at 12:00 noon at the Trinity Baptist Church.  The church is located at 3333 Trinity Church Road, Valdese, North Carolina 28690.  Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.  The Rev. Tim Hodge and Rev. Scott Moneyham will be officiating at the service.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.