SHELBY: Carmen Christopher Coles, 66, died Friday, January 15, 2021 at Caromont Health in Gastonia. A native of Cleveland County, Carmen was the daughter of the late Sam and Betty Woods Christopher. She graduated from Gardner-Webb University, and was a faith member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she played the piano. Carmen was a talented musician, and enjoyed gardening and tending to her animals. She was most proud of homeschooling her children, where she would put herself into their education. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, George Coles of the home; daughter, Miriam Fletcher and husband Austin of Tallahassee, FL; son, Samuel Coles of Tucson, AZ; sister, Cathy Arnold and husband Ernest of Spartanburg, SC; and her grandchildren, Loraine and George Fletcher. Funeral services will be held 6:30pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Tim Sims officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, in the church. Burial will follow at 11am, Thursday, in Cleveland Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Pregnancy Resource Center of Cleveland County.

FUNERAL HOME: Funeral services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center

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