Lessie Burleson Shell-Detter

Mrs. Lessie Mae Shell-Detter, 92, of Valdese, passed away on Sunday June 29, 2025, at Carolina Caring, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. Detter was born July 22, 1932, in Avery County, a daughter of the late Coy and Margie Pauline Winters Burleson. Lessie was a member of the East Valdese Baptist Church and was active in the Over the Hill Gang (the seniors of the church). She worked at Skyland Textiles, Henredon Furniture, The Family Place at Western Carolina Center as a childcare specialist and retired as a receptionist from the Morganton Senior Center.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husbands, Paul Tipton Shell, John C. Detter, Sr, a son, Gary Wayne Shell, two brothers, Jack Allen Burleson, Clarence Joe Burleson, and two sisters, Blanche Jarrett and Reba Parks.

Surviving are her daughter, Pamela Shell Paxton (Chris Causby) of Newton, and three sisters, Alyce Styles, of Morganton and Dianne Caldwell and Patricia Burleson both of Asheville. Also surviving is her special canine pal Dexter Paladin.

At Mrs. Shell-Detter’s request, there will not be a service at this time.

A private interment will be held at Bible Baptist Church Cemetery in Morganton.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.