Mrs. Helen Withrow Love, 86, of Shelby, NC departed this life on Friday, July 10, 2026 at her residence. She was born on September 9, 1939 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Sherman Withrow and the late Amanda Houser Withrow

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, the late Sherman and Amanda Houser Withrow; her devoted husband, Carl T. Love, Sr.; her son, Carl Timothy Love II; her daughter, Kassandra Love Watson; and her brothers and sisters: Henry (Rossi) Withrow, Francis Withrow, Comilla (Jake) Sinkler, Van(Henrietta)Withrow, Minnie (Rupert) Bell, Zan (Emily) Withrow, Clarence (Betty) Withrow, Joe (Mary) Hunt, Carl Lee (Bernice) Withrow, and Glenn (Vernelle) Withrow.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughter, Angela L. Lowe (Keron); a bonus daughter Melissa Proctor-Clark (Vinson), and bonus son Edward Spikes; grandchildren Kristian (Mark), Morris Watson III, Keron Lowe, Khari Lowe, and Carl Love III; two cherished great-grandchildren, Kade Watson and Xavier Gemes; special grandchildren Isaiah Jennings and Jadon Brown; her beloved godchildren, Lauren Montgomery, Lindsey Montgomery, Quinton Schenck, Jeremy Schenck; sister in law, Catherine Armstrong (William); with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, dear friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by her love and kindness. Helen will forever be remembered as an exceptional educator, compassionate mentor, gifted artist, devoted coach, faithful servant, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, generous heart, and commitment to uplifting others will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Eskridge Grove Baptist Church at 12:00 Noon. Burial will take place at Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon on Monday and on Wednesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 16th from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at 518 April Drive, Shelby.