Carolyn Ann Neil Shaner, 85, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on September 1, 2024, after a long period of declining health.

Carolyn was born on June 24, 1939, to Paul and Elma Neil in Shippenville, a small town in western Pennsylvania. Although she was an only child, her childhood was marked by many wonderful friends who filled her life. After graduating high school, she attended Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., where she met her husband and the love of her life, Kenneth. She sang in the Thiel Choir and made lifelong friends who remained dear to her through every season.

Ken and Carolyn were married in 1961 and raised their three children in various places across the U.S. Carolyn devoted many years to being an elementary school teacher and then fulfilled her dream of opening a frame and needlework shop, called the Finishing Touch, in Reedsport, Ore. Ken and Carolyn enjoyed traveling with friends throughout the world. Her final years were spent close to family in Statesville, where she served in her church and actively volunteered within the community. Carolyn’s love for God was apparent as she gave unselfishly to everyone she encountered. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving and generous mother and grandmother and an unwavering friend.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth; her three children, Laine (Tripp), Brian (Holly) and Scott; her five grandchildren, Ryan (Jane), Lindsay (Zac), Maddie (Melissa), Bowen (Janine) and Hayden; and her four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Rhys, Georgeanna and Lenna.

A visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Statesville on Sunday, September 15, at 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 3 p.m.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 740 N. Center Street, Statesville, NC 28677.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shaner family.