Essie Myrtle Irvin Green, age 81, was called home by her Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at White Oak Manor in Shelby. Born in Cleveland County on June 28, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Hershel Gordon and Nara Lena Hammett Irvin. She was the last founding member of Christopher Road Baptist Church and also served as church historian. Myrtle retired from Dover Mill and later worked at the Chic-fil-a at the Cleveland Mall. Myrtle was a devoted Christian of strong faith and used her talents of singing and writing poetry to bless others. Myrtle enjoyed sewing, drawing and was gifted musically. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James Green; twin grandsons, Brett and Brady Green; brothers, George Irvin, Smitty Irvin, Roy Irvin; and sisters, Eloise Capps and Reba Turner.

Myrtle is survived by her children, Kay Green Champion and husband Bill, Connie Green Hoyle, Janis Green Borders and husband Keith, Samuel Lee Green and fiancée Stephanie Livingston all of Shelby; sisters, Donnis Lail, Brenda Mullins, and Nancy Carmouche; grandchildren, Chris Champion and wife Abby of Maiden, Kelli Greene and husband Donnie, James Borders, Jill Hoyle, Ben Green; and great grandchildren, Kayla Champion, Brenton Greene, Will Greene, Claire Finney, and Isabella Finney.

Memorial service will be held at Christopher Road Baptist Church on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 7:00 pm with Rev. Alan Sailors officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Memorials can be made to; Christopher Road Baptist Church, 420 Christopher Road, Shelby NC 28152.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Green.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com