Aurelia Maudine Cook Poston, age 95, passed away on December 14, 2018 at Testa Hospice House. Aurelia was born on May 4, 1923 in Greenville SC and was the daughter of the late George and Edna Cook. Aurelia was the widow of James (Jim) Osburne Poston. They were married on February 6, 1965 in Gaffney, SC. Aurelia and Jim enjoyed many wonderful years at their Moss Lake home. After graduating from Fallston High School in 1941, Aurelia, at the age of 18, started working for Southern Bell, the local telephone company as an operator. Because of Aurelia's strong work ethics, intelligence, determination, and personality, it wasn't too long before she was promoted to be the first female manager at the phone company which had been previously male dominated. After retiring from the phone company with 38 years of service, Aurelia continued to work from home for National Merchandising, a telemarketing, job placement company until she was 92 years old. As Aurelia's own inscriptions, in her personal Bible reflect, she was a devout Christian and a Bible scholar. Aurelia donated a treasured family Bible to Elizabeth Baptist Church. This Bible was dated 1818 and belonged to Elizabeth Love Wilson for whom the church is named. Aurelia will be fondly remembered for her beautiful paintings, her good character traits, her wisdom, her wit, her love of animals, her strong faith, and her twinkling blue eyes. In addition to her parents and husband, Aurelia is preceded in death by her stepson James (Jay) Poston; and her canine companions, Razz and Bo.

Aurelia leaves behind a stepdaughter, Holly Cruinckshank and step grandson, Blade Cruinckshank both of Oklahoma; Robin Motley, a special niece who was like a daughter; Rhonda Gallaway, whom she loved like a daughter too; Jimmy Carroll special friend; Genaro (Will) Centeno, who called her "Mom" and was like a son to her; Mae Teitje, her lifelong friend; Mack Poston, her brother-in-law, Buddy Efrid, her brother-in-law, Fred Motley, special nephew; faithful neighbors, Jane C. Kiser, Becky Cook and Gene Cook; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her beloved dogs, Milo and Marcey.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 11:00 pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Rev. Rit Varriale officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service from 10:00 am until 11:00 am in the sanctuary.

Memorials can be made to Elizabeth Baptist Church, 301 N. Post Road, Shelby NC 28150 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150

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

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com