Alma Alene Pate Shuford

Alma Alene Pate Shuford, 91, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at home with her family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Minnie McIntosh Pate; brothers, Bruce and Bronas Pate; sisters, Alice Pate and Lillian Hensley; and a granddaughter, Katie Noyes Jernigan.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Shuford, with whom she was married to for 70 years; son, Eddie Shuford (Rebecca); daughters, Wanda Noyes (Rob III) and Sandra Laney (Barte); grandchildren, Jacob Foxx (Althea), Chris Foxx, Macie S. Vaughn (Travis), Will Shuford, Sarah N. Hawkins (Brandon), Rob Noyes IV (Maddison), Jordan Laney, and Colby Laney; and great-grandchildren, Eloise and Margot Vaughn, Olivia Foxx, Jackman and Blanton Noyes, and Grant, Elle, and Rob Jernigan.

She loved Jesus and her family with all of her heart. Alma was a faithful member of Zion Hill Baptist Church. She was very close to her Sunday School Class, The Christian Ladies Class, at Zion Hill who were very faithful in reaching out to her during her extended illness. She had many of her dearest friends in this group. She loved singing in the church choir, flower gardening, and cooking for her family. It has been said that she could make the best chocolate gravy ever.

She worked in hosiery mills and furniture factories, but her most pleasurable job was working in the cafeteria of the McDowell County School System.

One of her proudest accomplishments in life was learning to swim when she was in her seventies. She was recognized by the YMCA for this great accomplishment. Alma was a very positive person with a great sense of humor which made her a joy to be around.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Tom Walker officiating and a dear friend, Bill Cmaylo, will be speaking. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

We would like to thank some of her dearest helpers: Bridgett Hudgins, Briana Lorio, Patrice Staley, and Teresa Wise.

Memorial donations in Alma’s memory are encouraged to the Senior Saints in care of Zion Hill Baptist Church, 1036 Zion Hill Road, Marion, NC 28752.