Mrs. Shelby Jean Hodge, age 78, of Winterville, NC, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice House in Greenville, NC. She was born in Columbus County, NC on December 13, 1945 to the late London & Edna T. Carter.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, L.C. Carter.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Hodge; her daughter, Tonia Hodge Marshall and her husband Dennis Marshall; her grandchildren: Hailee Marshall and Dalton Marshall; and her sisters: Shirley Carter, Simmie Faye Mills, and Sarah Nobles.

Shelby was a loving, devoted wife to Tommy for 58 years.  As for a mother, she was the BEST.. she loved unconditionally and Tonia could always count on her and never doubted her love. Shelby's grandchildren Hailee and Dalton were her pride and joy.  She adored them and they adored her.. there was never a dull moment when they got together.  Her specialty for all extended family was always cooking great meals for them, and always having something sweet to eat when they came to visit along with a cup of coffee or sweet tea.  Her paradise was Holden Beach where she sat holding hands with her beloved husband on the pier or on the beach shore, in late afternoon. For fifty years, she gave a ton of hours to East Lumberton Baptist Church in multiple capacities.

One of the best ways to describe her is a sweet, sassy southern belle! As Victoria, her great niece said.. "when you were with her you could feel how much you mattered."  She will be missed more than words can express. But praise God for no more sickness.  Shelby is with her Savior!!

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 2:00-3:00 PM at East Lumberton Baptist Church, 201 Old Whiteville Road in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM with Rev. Tom Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Faith Cemetery, 5190 N. Fayetteville Road in Lumberton, NC.