Mrs. Mary Louise Shackelford, 81, departed this life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at White Oak Manor in Rock Hill, SC.

Mary Louise Shackelford, 81, of Charlotte was born March 25, 1943, and entered eternal life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Rock Hill, SC.  She was the daughter of Lucius and Annie Corrine Felder and was married to Rev. Herbert R. Shackelford on November 21, 1970, in Sumter, SC.

Left to cherish loving memories are her children, Renee George (Dana) of Morrisville, NC, Julian Shackelford (Katina) and Kaneasha Shackelford of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Dominique Shackelford, Sydney George, Ciera Shackelford and Myles Shackelford; sisters-in-law, Jean Felder and Sandra Shaw, both of Sumter, SC, and Barbara Ann Walker of Cincinnati, OH, Venecia Ansari Turner of Atlanta, GA; brothers-in-law, Fred McKenzie and Dwayne Turner of Cincinnati, OH; goddaughter, Jewel Bowman Moses; nieces, nephews, cousins and many caring friends.

Mrs. Shackelford was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Rev. Herbert R. Shackelford; parents, Lucius and Annie Corrine Felder; siblings, Leroy Felder, Geneva Felder, Lucius Felder; and her first husband, Robert Shaw, who preceded her in death in 1963.

Having received her early education from Sumter County Public Schools, she graduated Lincoln High School Class of 1961.  In high school, she played on the Girl's Basketball Team and was a Student Bus Driver.  She graduated from Morris College in Sumter, SC majoring in science after which she graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC where she obtained a master's degree in education.  She achieved various certifications in Elementary Education.  Her work history included teaching Science at R.E. Davis School. She was the School District #2 Science Coordinator.  Later she taught in Ft. Mill, SC and Charlotte, NC.  She loved teaching and mentoring newly hired teachers.  After retiring from teaching, she established a group home, Felder Assisted Living, where she helped men transition from independent living to a nursing home environment.  Her most recent position was as Director and member of the Board of Directors of the Wilmore Community Center in Charlotte, NC.

As Director, she was featured several times in the Charlotte Observer alongside her husband.  She received an award for Neighbor of the Year and the Charlotte Business Journal.  She was a part of the strategic planning committee for the SouthEnd Neighborhood in Charlotte, and she was the first black woman to drive the Trolley when it was restored in Charlotte during its opening celebration.

In Church, she was a member of Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church where she served as Elder, Deacon, Presbyterian Women Moderator, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Head of the Children's Church Ministry, and was a member of the Session, the Beautification Committee, and the Music and Worship Committee.   She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

Mrs. Shackelford enjoyed playing piano, collecting antiques, horticulture and spoiling her grandchildren rotten! She enjoyed making her delicious potato salad, candied yams, cobblers and sweet tea for others to enjoy.  She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.