Wednesday, September 9, 2026 2:25 pm

Catherine Evelyn Pruett Price, 84, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, at Wendover Hospice House.

Catherine was born on July 11, 1942, in Cleveland County to the late David Lyndon Pruett and Isabelle Johnson Pruett. She retired from Cleveland County Schools, where she served as Director of the Before and After School Program.

To know Catherine was to be loved by Catherine. She never met a stranger and had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. She left every person she met with an "I love you," a simple expression that perfectly reflected the warmth she carried in her heart. Catherine loved to travel, read and, perhaps most of all, shop. She loved a good bargain and believed there was no such thing as too much sparkle. If something had a little extra bling, chances were Catherine loved it.

Nothing compared to the love Catherine had for her family, especially her grandchildren. They were her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment with them. She was lovingly known as Meme not only by her grandchildren, but by so many who were fortunate enough to know her. Being Meme was one of the roles she treasured most, and her family will forever carry the love, laughter and memories she gave them.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Chris Melton; and her brother, Kenneth Pruett. Chris was never far from Catherine's heart. She missed her son deeply every day, and those who loved her find comfort in knowing that she was reunited with him.

Catherine is survived by her husband of 34 years, Charles "Buddy" Ray Price; daughter, Kim McKee and husband Ron; daughter-in-law, Kerri Melton; stepchildren, Andy Price and wife Amanda, and Heather Wolma and husband Josh; five grandchildren, Gray Burn (Elizabeth), Maddy McKee, Brayson Melton, Landry Melton and Brock Melton; four step-grandchildren, Victoria Price, Andrew Price, Hunter Wolma and Elle Wolma; a brother, Neal Pruitt and wife Brenda; sister-in-law Elaine Pruitt and several loving nephews.

Catherine leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the many lives she touched. Her smile, her kindness, her sparkling personality and her ability to make everyone feel like family will be deeply missed. Above all, she will be remembered as a loving mother, Meme and friend who never met a stranger and always had room in her heart for one more person.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 2:00pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church, with Dr. Rit Varriale officiating.

A reception will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chris Melton Scholarship Fund, c/o Kerri Melton, Post Office Box 227, Polkville, NC 28136.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston.