Shirley Black Carleton 12/29/1938 - 09/29/2021 Mom has gone on ahead of us to be with Jesus. Shirley Carleton age 82, has passed away to a new life. Shirley was born in Sparta N.C. to Homer and Roma Faircloth Black. Preceded in death by her husband Eugene Carleton, son Thomas Ward, Grandson Richard Roten, brothers, Robert “Sam” Black, Charles Wayburn Black, Gary Eugene Black, and sister Jewell Brooks. She leaves behind one daughter Teresa Masson (John) and 6 grandchildren. Thomas Ward, Shannon Ward, Diana Wilson, Brandi Clark, Lindsi Pettit, Lance Masson and many great grandchildren. She also leaves behind a very special sister in law Connie Black, cousins, nieces, nephews and a blended family that she loved very much. Shirley was a spirited woman who was always quick to laugh and loved sharing funny stories and family memories with her loved ones. She had a gentle, loving, spirit and lived a life of faith and trust in the Lord. She loved cooking and had an incredible gift for painting. Being the rock of the family, she taught us how to pull together, the importance of forgiveness, and most of all, she taught us the love of God. She looked forward to the day she would shake off the ills of this world and be present with Jesus. Fly high mom, we’ll miss you so much but will see you one day... A celebration of her life will be held a later date.