Claudia Sue Abernethy Lutz, 82, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, surrounded by her Loving family.

She is the daughter of the late Donald and Mae Elmore Abernethy. After the death of her mother in 1947, Claudia moved to Shelby and made her home with Mae's sister, Verna, and her husband, Jack Joyner. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, James E. Lutz, Jr.

Claudia's sweet spirit was a source of comfort and kindness, and her playful personality brought joy to those around her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Claudia will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Claudia graduated from Shelby High School and attended Women's College of UNC (now UNCG) and Limestone College. She was a sponsor for the Governor's Inaugural Ball in 1961. A faithful lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church, Claudia served on many committees alongside her husband and was employed as the church hostess for 14 years. Claudia and Jim were charter members of the "Saints and Sinners" Sunday School class. She worked at Shagreen Nursery, where she fueled her love for plants and flowers. She also enjoyed her many years in the Junior Charity League of Shelby.

Claudia was a lady of many interests and talents that she passed along to her children and grandchildren. Her love of cooking was evident in the many cookbooks and clippings she had in her collection. One of them being her own cookbook that she and Jan DePriest co-authored, "Round Robin Recipes". Claudia had a great love of flowers and loved to spend her time planting, growing and arranging flowers for her enjoyment and others. Her love of nature led her around the state, where she would take her grandchildren to hike Pearson Falls, pick apples and blueberries in the mountains and collect seashells at the beach.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Elizabeth Lutz Bridges, and husband, Reid, and her son, James William Lutz and wife, Julie; her five grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Cauky", Emily Bridges Johnson and husband, Adam, Nancy Bridges and Michael Wicker, Katie Bridges, Grayson Lutz and Logan Lutz; her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Shirley Abernethy, and sister-in-law, Linda Lutz Ware, and many nieces and nephews; along with many loving friends and neighbors.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate her life. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, located at 200 E. Marion Street, Shelby, North Carolina, 28150.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.