Effie Mae Stilwell, 91 of Hildebran, went home to be with Jesus, peacefully at the home of her daughter on March 13th, 2026 after a period of declining health.

Born August 20, 1934 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Edgar Cicero Stilwell and Ollie Mae Godfrey Stilwell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Florine S. Campbell and brothers, J.C. Stilwell, Harold Stilwell and infant brother Gary Stilwell.

Effie had retired after working 60 plus years in the hosiery industry from Burke Hosiery Mill and prior to that, Wades Hosiery Mill, where she sewed fancy lace on socks for babies and little girls. She had a strong work ethic and made her job an art as she was amazingly fast on the sewing machine. She was always proud of the beautiful socks that she created.

In her earlier years she enjoyed working in the garden and canning the food that she grew. Weekends were meant for driving her 1968 442 Oldsmobile convertible, top down and full speed ahead, singing along to her favorite songs that were playing on the 8 track. She found joy in the simple things in life like growing flowers and having good conversations on the telephone with her friends and family. She enjoyed watching her favorite preachers on the television and praising the Lord with her entire heart. Having given her life to Jesus as a little girl, she kept her Lord and savior at the center of everything she did and gave him all the praise and glory. She would pray with faith for anyone that asked or needed it. She had a sweet spirit, was endearingly spunky, had a fantastic smile and an infectious laughter that was as unique as her personality. To say she was one of a kind would be an understatement. Kindness, compassion and loyalty were some of her finest qualities and she made a friend everywhere she went. Effie was always taking the time to blow kisses and waving to her visitors and the nursing staff that cared for her recently, telling them she loved them and meaning every word. To know her was to absolutely love her completely. Her effervescent presence and daily phone calls will be greatly missed. She eagerly enjoyed hearing about everyone’s day and latest adventures of those she cared about.

Effie was an extraordinarily loving and exceptional mother to her daughter whom she devoted her life to and was always proud of. She selflessly took on the role of “Mama” when it was not a requirement, and in doing so, she proved that a child does not have to grow under your heart to grow in it. She was a dedicated and doting “Mamaw” to her three grandchildren and revealed in every thing that they did, great or small. In her later years she was proudest of her three great grandbabies who loved her as their “little grandma” and enthusiastic playmate whom they enjoyed quality time with recently. They made her laugh, giggle and clap her hands, with her childlike enthusiasm.

Effie is survived by her daughter, Effie Dawn Campbell-Shelton (Steve) of Hildebran. Her grandchildren, Ashley Shelton Carpenter (Bradley) of Granite Falls, Matthew James Shelton (Meredith) of Granite Falls, and Kayla Shelton Hughey (Kendall) of Hildebran. Two great granddaughters, Bristol and Lainey, great grandson, Tatum. Also surviving is her niece who she loved deeply and shared a unique bond with, Teresa Higdon (Sam) of Connelly Springs, and nephew, Don Stilwell. Finally, she leaves behind her faithful and loyal companion of 16 years, her dog Sassy.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers from Hospice of Cleveland county. They are the tip of the spear and truly angels among us.