Claribel Fender Shelor

June 30, 1928 - July 19, 2026

Claribel Fender Shelor, of Pilot, passed away on July 19^th at Heritage House in Blacksburg, Va.  She was 98.  Claribel was born on June 30, 1928, in Sparta, N.C. to Brantley and Ardie Petty Fender. After her mother passed away, Clara was lovingly cared for by her stepmother, Nina Dancy Fender.

After graduating from high school, Claribel (Clara) moved to Christiansburg, VA, where she worked in sales and later in alterations at Leggett’s Department Store. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Darcie Shelor. They were married on June 15, 1945. They purchased a farm in Floyd, Co. and together, they raised four children. Clara tended large gardens, and she harvested produce from the gardens as well as fruit from the trees on their property. She was a gifted seamstress and made clothing, curtains, bedspreads, and doll clothes with patience, creativity, and love.

When Darcie suffered a disabling heart attack in 1980, Clara went through training to become a CNA and subsequently worked at Skyline Nursing Home. This fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, and Clara was devoted to those she cared for. When Darcie’s health declined, Clara retired at the age of 79.

Clara had a lifelong love of flowers, especially irises, whose beauty she admired and nurtured in her gardens year after year. That love of flowers became a gift she passed on to her daughters, leaving them not only cherished memories, but traditions and passions that will continue to bloom for generations.

Above all, she will be remembered for her loving heart, quiet strength, and the kindness she showed so freely to others. Her home was a place of comfort, and her presence made life brighter for those around her.

She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Darcie Shelor, whom she loved dearly for seventy years and missed deeply. Together again, they remain forever in the hearts of those who loved them.

Clara is survived by her children, Gary Shelor (Connie), Barbara Webb (Gary), Cheryl Shull (Brian), and Karen McMillion (Jeff); grandchildren Michael, Jennifer, Kristen (their mother Nancy), Sharla, Maranda, Devin, Rachel, Leah, and Erin; step-grandchildren Gary and Kerrie; 17 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Betty Roupe and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Gary and Barbara Webb for caring for mom at their home for 5 years. We would also like to thank the staff at Heritage House for the loving care she received in the last days of her life. We are also thankful for Medi Hospice for their compassionate care and family support in the recent and brief difficult time.

The family will receive friends between noon and 2:00pm on July 23 at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm with Jerry Hylton officiating. Burial will take place at Stonewall Church cemetery.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorial may be made to Stonewall Church of the Brethren 4085 Floyd Hwy N., Floyd, VA 24091.

Clara's life was a testament to faith and family. We pray that her memory will bring smiles to your faces and will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.

Barbara and Family, My thoughts & prayers are with you now & always. Clarabel was truly one of the kindest & caring people I've ever known. Both me and my Mom had the honor of working with her at the Nursing Home. She was a blessing to many and will be missed by all who knew her. Love & Prayers, Angie & Jacob Sowers

Barbara, Gary and family, So very sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. Please know that I sending ❤️🙏. Deneise

Thinking of you and all your family today, Barbara. You and Gary did good by your mom. Sending prayers and love. Sunny and Bob

I am so sorry for your loss, Barbara. What a remarkable woman, your mother, and what a wonderful and long life. You took loving care of her. Lovely obituary. Connie

So very sorry for your loss. Your mother was one of my favorites when I delivered for CVS. I always tried to spend a little extra time with her. My heart goes out to you all.

I worked with Claire Bell at skyline she was a wonderful person loved by everyone

I'm so sorry for your lose. Prayers for peace to your family.

Barbara, Gary and family So saddened to see this news. Claribel was my birthday buddy and I have nothing but fond memories of her and her sweet smile. May God give you all his peace during this time. A life well lived!

Barbara, Gary, and family, So sorry for the loss of your dear mother. I know you took such good care of her and you were blessed to have had her with you. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with you all.