Estelle L. Sheldon

Estelle Lackey (Smith) Sheldon, age 103, of Burnsville, NC, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on August 5, 2024. She was born in Gibsonville, NC, to Annie May (Hylton) and Thomas P. Smith and was the oldest of six children. She earned her RN in 1943 from Medical College VA and her BS in Biology in 1945 from High Point College.

Estelle was a WWII veteran. She entered the Army Nurse Corps and made 12 round trips on hospital ships in the service of our troops in Germany, England and Morocco between 1945 & 1953. She worked in Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital DC and qualified as one of NC’s first Nurse Practitioners in 1972 after studies at the New Jersey Medical College.

She married James Sheldon and raised their children in Georgia, Ohio, Thailand, Maryland and NC prior to their divorce. She retired from the Guilford County Health Dept after 16 years of dedicated service. Upon retirement, Estelle moved to Burnsville and her “beloved” mountains. She was active in her church, volunteered with the Ugly Quilt Group, and delivered Meals on Wheels until her 80’s. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, theater, playing games, family reunions and jigsaw puzzles. She tried jet skiing at 95 years old and thought it great fun!

She was predeceased by her parents and three sisters Madelene Boyd, Ione Varner, and Margaret Scott. Surviving are two brothers David Smith (Elaine) and Darrell Smith (Sarah Nell) and children Judy Sheldon (Chris Gorman) of Maryland, Ed Sheldon (Nóirín) of Ireland, and Mary Sheldon of Burnsville. She has 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

On-line condolences can be made at CompassionateCareWNC.org/donate/

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Sheldon family.