Elsie Mae (Wheeler) Shurson

Elsie Mae Wheeler Shurson of Asheville, North Carolina, passed on October 19, 2024.

Elsie grew up in the Celo community of Yancey County with her parents, Fred and Clara Wheeler, brother Jack, and three sisters, Elva, Pearle, and Ginger. Elsie and her brother Jack did most of the outside work, such as cutting trees, chopping firewood, and tending to the vegetable garden and the farm animals. That strong work ethic stayed with her all her life and she often defined her day by what she accomplished. Elsie’s home was open to any, and all were welcomed. Her daughters, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood kids always looked forward to snow days, a warm stove, and chocolate gravy and biscuits; a warmer memory still. She had the ability to do several things at one time and accomplish much while having little to work with. Elsie was a member of Grassy Branch Church for over 65 years. VBS, Sunday School and WMU are just a few of the church activities where she was involved. She created beautifully detailed costumes for church Christmas pageants along with her mother, Clara (granny). She played a role in several dramas as well. She cleaned the church, delivered home-cooked meals, and hosted GA girls and their leaders in her home. Elsie worked as a nursing assistant in nursing homes. This was a job she performed well with respect and compassion. Elsie endured many hardships in her life. But through it all, her unwavering faith in God kept her strong and always moving forward. All that knew her knew they were well loved and mattered to her. This is her legacy!!!

Preceded in death are her parents, Fred and Clara Wheeler; her brother Jack and sister, Elva; Clarence Autrey (her husband of 23 years), J.C. Wright and Norman Shurson; infant son Anthony; grandson Chad, and great-grandson Navy.

Surviving are her daughters, Anna (Harry), Debra (Roger), and Robyn; grandchildren Rosalind, Brooke (Tyler), Madison, Andrew, Jordan (Kaylie), and Cassidy (Jarrod); and great-grandchildren Davis and Aidan, Kylee, Jaxton, Scarlett, Ariel, Skyler, and Cooper.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, November 3, at Oakley Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. Visitation begins at 2:00 p.m., and the service begins at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ebenezer Gospel Mission at 3802 Trinity Court, Asheville, NC 28805, or to Oakley Baptist Church at 70 Fairview Ave., Asheville, NC 28803.

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