JoAnn Rushing-Shelton

JoAnn Rushing-Shelton, born August 19, 1935, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, held in the arms of her family.

She is survived by her brother, Guy Foreman Rushing, and sister-in-law, Pam Rushing; her niece, Heather Rushing-Chaney (Shannon Chaney), and great-nephews, Lucas and Mason; her nephew, Michael Rushing; and dear friend, Audrey Little, who was like family to her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Shelton, a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and by her parents, Guy and Juanita Rushing.

She carried a giving spirit and love for her family that remained constant throughout her life. JoAnn devoted her life to teaching and caring for others. Employed by the U.S. Army as an educator, her career took her to bases in Florida and Germany, with most of her years spent teaching her cherished second graders at Fort Bragg. She made her home in Fayetteville for much of her adult life, forming deep and lasting ties to her friends, her community, and her church, where she met the love of her life, Charles.

Her life was marked by devotion. She cared faithfully for her parents in their later years, and then returned to Oakboro, where she made her home and lovingly cared for her husband through the final season of his life. At her core, JoAnn embodied loving to give more than receive. She never missed an opportunity to show love through small, thoughtful gestures, a pack of gum, a gift for every holiday, whether big or small, and always something in hand to share when family came to visit. Her giving spirit and love for her family defined her life and will remain her lasting legacy.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Pastor Bill Baldwin. Jo Ann will be laid to rest beside her husband at Oakboro Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in support of Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union at AtriumHealthFoundation.org/tribute. Memorial gifts may also be mailed to Atrium Health Foundation, 7800 Providence Road, Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28226, and should include the name of the honoree and designated area of support.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Rushing-Shelton family.