Shirley Juanita Ledford

Mrs. Shirley Juanita Franklin Ledford, 89, of Icard, went to her Heavenly Home on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Carolina Caring Hospice House, following a brief period of declining health, with her three children by her side.

Shirley was born on March 31, 1937, in Burke County to the late Garvine Franklin and Marie Chester Franklin. She was a longtime and faithful member of the First Baptist Church Hildebran and was retired from the furniture manufacturing industry.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of almost 70 years Leon L. Ledford, and a brother, Wayne Franklin.

Surviving are her three children, Cheryl Huffman of Icard, Karen Cline and husband Scott of Icard, and Mickey Ledford and wife Ann of Fuquay Varina, NC. Also surviving are six grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, one brother, Jack Franklin and wife Nancy of Hickory, and a sister-in-law, Roberta Franklin of Icard.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church Hildebran, with Rev. Ron Arndt officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 10:30 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church Hildebran.

Memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658 or to Gentiva Hospice, 1308 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677.

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

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Ledford family.