Flora R. Shotwell
Flora Edward Riggan Shotwell, 93, passed away Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 at Whitmore Retirement Center in Oxford.
She was born in Townsville, North Carolina to the late Jacob Edward Riggan and Martha Flora Henderson Riggan on February 9th, 1928.
Flora was married to the late Paul Judson Shotwell until his death in 2015.
Surviving are her daughters: Martha Grace Shotwell Hight (Benton) of Oxford and Marian Judson Shotwell Staffel (Greg) of Memphis, TN; grandchildren Heather Elizabeth Denny (F.O.); Kelly Denny Claiborne (Chris); Gerald (Jeb) Blalock Denny II (Kate), Scott Shotwell Denny (Ashley); Paul Jacob Denny (Erika); Marian Alexandra (Ali) Wynne (Peyton); and Jon Gregory Staffel, Jr.; great-grandchildren Cecily and Judd Claiborne; Gus, Jane and Hank Denny; Evelyn and Owen Denny; and Scottie Denny.
Flora loved being a church musician. She shared her love of music with several churches for many years by playing the piano and organ and directing choirs. She was a lifelong member of Nutbush Presbyterian Church but served Stovall Baptist and Stovall Methodist Churches with her time and talent.
Flora attended Flora MacDonald College (St. Andrews) and became a teacher. She loved teaching. Education was important to her, and she tried to instill that in her children and grandchildren. Teaching and coaching ladies’ basketball at Stovall High School was her first job and always held a special place in her heart. She also taught at J.F. Webb High School and North Granville Private School.
After leaving the teaching profession, she worked at The Employment Security Commission. She loved her job of helping people find jobs. As education was important; a good work ethic was equally important.
All expressions of kindness are appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oxford Baptist Church Music Ministry P.O. Box 398 Oxford, NC 27565; the program that “taught all her grandchildren the art of playing music.”
A private graveside service will be held at Tabernacle Methodist Church in Townsville, NC. You may access the graveside service by clicking on the following link:
Graveside Service: https://vimeo.com/518310823
20 Comments
Martha, Marian, and Family
I have many fond memories of your mom, dad, and you guys having grown up in Stovall and attended the Baptist Church. My sincere condolences as you come to grips with your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have as they will help sustain you during this time. Love you all.
Dear Martha, Marian, and Family,
We have many fond memories of your family from Stovall Baptist church as well as Mama did as a student of hers. She was a fixture with choir as the director. Sending our love and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Wayne Wilbourne
Vickie Wilbourne Powell and family
Thank you for your kind words. She loved the choirs she worked with!
Dear Martha and Marian, So sorry about the loss of your mother. She is leading the choir in Heaven now. She was a sweet and kind lady . I have many fond memories of Ms. Shotwell as choir director.
Thank you for your kind words. She loved the choirs she worked with!
Martha, Marian and family, I was saddened to hear about your mother. Mrs. Shotwell was such a sweet lady. Many thoughts and prayers for you all during this sad time.
Thank you Bonnie!
Dear Martha, Marian, and family,
Sending our deepest condolences to you. Mrs Shotwell was such a dear and caring person. Loved her dedication and guidance to our choir and beautiful unwavering smile. She and your daddy meant so much to our family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Eddie, Charlene, Nick, Havanna, and Elizabeth Ann.
Charlene…Mama loved her choirs and she loved to listen to Elizabeth Ann and Wayne Newton sing. We have such great memories of those days!
Marion and Martha,
I have many fond memories of your mom when we carpooled to Butner many years ago. She was a sweet and caring person and dedicated to her job. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Linda…Mama always loved her Butner days and car-pooling with you and I think Carolyn Stovall. And goodness gracious all the Bullock days seem like just yesterday!
Martha on behalf of your classmates the Class of 1977 sends our sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your mother. Treasure all the beautiful memories that ya’ll shared with Mrs. Shotwell because I have a few of her and your father when they had the store in Bullock. RIP Gone But Will Never Be Forgotten.
As a member of the Class of ‘77 I appreciate and admire your dedication to keeping us all informed of current happenings with all our dear friends. Please thank the entire class! What a great group we had!
I loved your parents. They were both great people and truly a blessing to all of us in Stovall. Mrs. Shotwell was always so kind and I always enjoyed talking to her. Thoughts and prayers to all.
I loved your parents. They were both great people and truly a blessing to all of us in Stovall. Mrs. Shotwell was always so kind and I always enjoyed talking to her. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Janet, you were always so good to Mama and Daddy! And you have certainly served Stovall well for many many years!
Martha and Marian, My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your sweet mom. Flora was a favorite of my school teachers and I have fond memories of being in her Sunday School class and singing with her in the choir. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh Jackie, I was talking to Karen about you and Forest a day or two after Flora died…she loved the two of you, and she loved your family. I know that she is so happy to be reunited with Wayne and Sybil. I’m quite sure she has already asked Wayne to sing a song!
Martha and Marian, so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a sweet lady and she and your dad meant so much to the Bullock community as well. I have very fond memories of you all.
Martha,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I know she will be missed by all who knew her. God bless.
Add Comment