Amory Stone Sheffield

Amory Stone Sheffield, 73, of Tarboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026.

Born Amory Denise Rinaldi on February 25, 1952, in Manhattan, New York, she was the daughter of Mario John Rinaldi and Vivian Fender Mellen. She grew up in Wilson, North Carolina, and graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1970. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and later a master’s degree in special education, both from East Carolina University. Her passion for her career in social services was equally matched by her often larger-than-life personality, which brought energy, humor, and heart into every room and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

On May 16, 1975, she married Lucius Grigg Sheffield Jr. in Tarboro, North Carolina. Together they built a loving family and shared 32 years of marriage until his passing in 2007. During the years she was raising her family, she was active at Calvary Episcopal Church in Tarboro. Later in life, she found a renewed and deepened walk of faith at Inglewood Assemblies of God in Rocky Mount, which became a meaningful spiritual home.

Amory was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. In her later years, she especially cherished time spent with the younger generations, delighting in their laughter, milestones, and everyday moments together. Her vibrant spirit and generous heart will always be remembered.

She is survived by her sons, Grigg Allsbrook Sheffield of Asheville, North Carolina, and John Britton (Emily) Sheffield of Asheville, North Carolina; her grandson, Jack Sheffield; her granddaughters, Adaline Sheffield and River Sheffield; her sisters, Candace (Gregory) Johnson, Cynthia Stone Cooke, and Memrie (Mohamed) Ibrahim; her nieces and nephews, Gregory Johnson Jr., Kevin Johnson, Jennifer Overman, Stephanie (Dave) Lawrence, Stacey (Randy) Hadnott, Shereen (Kevin) Cash, and Nadia (Justin) Clary; as well as 10 great-nieces and 6 great-nephews. She also leaves behind her faithful friend and companion, Bill Donovan Sr.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be announced at a later date.