Shirley Moore Carlton

Shirley Moore Carlton passed peacefully on Saturday morning, April 29, 2023, at her “happy place”, her home on Southerland Street in Wallace, NC. Born on February 7, 1935, in Sampson County, she was the daughter of the late William Hybert and Lina Harvell Moore. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Harry Lewis Carlton, her brother, William Daniel Moore, and son-in-law, William Burke Saunders. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Emily Moore Carr of Wallace, sister-in-law, Sherron Boyd Moore of Manteo, and brother-in-law, Linwood Wray Carlton (Susie), of Orchard Park, New York; her three daughters: Linda Carlton Wells (Steve) of Surf City, Emily Carlton Saunders of Wallace, and Geneva Carlton Maready (Greg) of Wallace. She adored being Nana to her grandchildren: Anna Kathryn Feeley (John), Steven Wells (Jenna), Kyle Teachey, Myles Teachey (Lauren), Burke Saunders (Lock), Dallas Saunders (Liza), Mary Kate White (Andrew), and Matt Maready (Allison). Additionally, she enjoyed her eleven great grandchildren and the promise of two on the way. Her journey was also blessed by her nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and loving caregivers. 

A lady of elegance and grace, Shirley exemplified all the attributes of a “Southern Belle” and Proverbs 31 woman. A lady of strong character, great wisdom, many skills, and loving compassion, she devoted her life to serve her family, church, and community. She was generous in spirit, offering a helping hand, a listening ear, an encouraging word, and giving humbly to others. 

Along with the rural roads of “Harrells Store” to Main Street in Wallace, her favorite place on earth was Topsail Island. She loved God’s creation, the sound of ocean waves, morning birds song, and blooming flowers. She enjoyed the art of music whether through worship at Wallace Presbyterian Church, or tapping her feet to bluegrass and beach music. Shirley had the gift of properly planning the best party or family gatherings. She was her happiest when serving her famous grits on Christmas morning, setting elegant tables, and arranging flowers. Her stylish feet walked many a mile up and down the aisles of her favorite shops and antique booths. From the days of the School for Little Children, to fully engaging in the interests of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she graciously led by example for the younger generations. 

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4th, 2023, at Wallace Presbyterian Church, officiated by Dr. Philip Gladden. Opportunities to visit with the family will be after the service in the Church Fellowship Hall, or all other times at the Carlton family residence.

In remembrance of Shirley’s love for her church, and gratitude for the care she received in the latter part of her earthly journey, memorials may be made to Wallace Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 717, Wallace, NC; or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Moore Carlton, please visit our floral store.