Shelby Jean (Freeze) Karriker

Shelby Jean Freeze Karriker, 85, passed away Friday evening, August 26, 2022, at Novant Health Rowan, following a brief illness.

Born December 19, 1936, in Rowan County, she was a daughter of the late Marvin Taft and Clayton Poteat Freeze. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray Preston Karriker, April 30, 2022.

Shelby was a 1955 graduate of Landis High School and married the love of her life, Ray Preston, on October 27, 1956. She owned and ran Shelby's Christian Daycare for more than 30 years. A loyal and active lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Mrs. Karriker had served in various capacities, including being the church secretary for 30 years, vice chairman of the church council, Sunday and bible school teacher, Lutheran Church Women, Women's Circle Group and choir member for nearly 70 years. She had also served on the South Rowan High School advisory council and booster club, and had been active with the PTA of both Corriher-Lipe Junior High and Landis Elementary. A very giving and Christian woman, devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Karriker will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Family members left with many cherished memories include her children, Kim Karriker (James Crook), Anna Bradshaw (Perry), Melanie Deal (Alan), Pratt Karriker (Shasta) and Miriam Lowery (Michael); her grandchildren, Gabriel, Bethany Baxley (Justin), Jeremiah Bradshaw, Savannah Deal, Lee and Seth Karriker, and Brooke and Ty Lowery; sister, Sharon Freeze Davis (Ron);

The family wishes to thank Crystal Fowler, Hollie Hampton, Sara Kimball and Hazel Murphy for their gentle and compassionate love, care and attention given to our mother in these last years.

Services to honor Mrs. Karriker's life will be held at 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at Concordia Lutheran Church in China Grove, with the Rev. Ken Reed officiating. Public viewing will begin at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service in the church cemetery. Friends and family are invited to stay for a visitation that will be held at the Family Life Center located in the church after the burial.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Organ and Piano Music Ministry Fund at Concordia Lutheran.

On-line condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com