Naomi Edwards Yelton, age 99, of Rutherfordton, NC passed away on July 15, 2024. She was born on November 13, 1924, the daughter of Shakespeare and Lillie Mae Long Edwards of Gilkey. Naomi was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Leonard Powell Yelton; and daughter Margaret Yelton Britt. In addition, she was also predeceased by her sisters: Katherine (Joe) Justice, Thelma (Jack) Flack, and her brother Gilmer (Nancy) Edwards.

She is survived by her son, Charles Edward Yelton and his wife Emily of Lake Lure, her grandchildren: Robert Yelton and his wife Misty of Rutherfordton, Michael Yelton of Lake Lure, Logan Britt and his wife Ashley of St. Simons Island, Georgia, and Lindsay Britt and husband Michael Daul of Durham, NC. She was the proud great-grandmother to Jackson Yelton and Ryan Yelton of Lake Lure and Naomi Daul and Mavis Margaret Daul of Durham. Naomi is also survived by many Edwards and Yelton family nieces and nephews.

Naomi grew up in Gilkey on the family farm. She and Leonard moved to Rutherfordton in 1949. During her career, she worked at Stonecutter Mills, Union Trust Bank, and the tax collector's office of Rutherford County. She was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, where she was a member of the Dillard Morrow Sunday School Class, the Murphy Nelson ladies circle, the Soul Food Ministry, and she served as the Church Treasurer for many years. She was also one of the original board members of Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity.

Naomi enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends, visiting, reading, and exercising by walking the streets of Rutherfordton. She also enjoyed cutting her grass on a riding lawn mower well into her late 80's.

Services will be conducted on Saturday July 20, 2024 at 1:00pm in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton with Reverend Dr. In-Yong Lee and Reverend Tonya Hill officiating. Family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Center.  Interment of the ashes will be in the church Memorial Garden.

Memorials may be made to Rutherfordton First United Methodist Church (General Fund) 264 North Main St. Rutherfordton NC 28139 or Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity 269 W. Main St. Forest City NC 28043.  McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory in charge of arrangements.