Doris Ann Paxton Beam, 92, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Wendover Hospice, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Cleveland County on July 27, 1934, Doris was the daughter of the late Palmer Paxton and Margaret Bryte Davis Paxton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buford Wray Beam, and her brothers, Jim, Richard, and Wayne Paxton.

Doris was a devoted wife, mother, "Maw Maw", sister, and friend to many. A longtime member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, she faithfully served her church and especially enjoyed singing in the Senior Choir. Doris had a true gift for caring for others. She found great joy in looking after those she loved, and nothing was more precious to her than her family.

Doris is survived by her son, Don Beam and wife Becky; three daughters, Teresa Warrick and husband Skip, Alica Wortman and husband Neal, and Myra Ware and husband Scott, all of Shelby.

She was lovingly known as grandmother to ten grandchildren: Clint Beam and wife Candice, Justin Beam and wife Angela, Zachary Wortman and wife Candace, Lindsay Putman and wife Allison, Trey Warrick and wife Tara, Eli Wortman and wife Lauren, Margaret Loftin and husband Michael, Bryte Scism and husband Jeff, Sam Wortman, and Kassey Fender and husband Alex. Her family continued to be blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Doris is also survived by her three sisters, Mary Shaffer, Betty Scoggins, and Judy Webb, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

A celebration of Doris's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Elizabeth Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Rit Varriale and Pastor Mike McGee officiating. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary for one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made in Doris's memory to Elizabeth Baptist Church or to Hospice Cleveland County/Wendover Hospice, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Online condolences may be shared through the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory website.

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