Jewel Runyans passed away peacefully in the early morning of Dec. 14, 2018. Born June 5, 1932 to Dessie Dayberry Runyans and Lawrence Runyans, she lived almost all of her life in Shelby, where she had a career as a bookkeeper. Jewel enjoyed music, dancing, and bowling. She was very active until dementia took her mobility away in her early 80s. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Nellie Runyans Monsees and Lenna Runyans Shaw, her brother Harold Runyans, and her niece Susan Shaw. She is survived by her brother, Robert Runyans, and her sister Gay Runyans Champion; her nieces and nephews: Myra Shaw King, Robert Runyans, Jr., Hal Monsees, Lynne Runyans Kennedy, Tim Champion, and Lexy Shaw Delorme and all of their spouses. She is also survived by many beloved grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews.

Burial will be private. The family plans a memorial service later. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Shelby Middle School Music Program (1480 S Dekalb St, Shelby, NC 28152) be made in memory of all the love, fun, and music Jewel gave to us.

Tim, KT, Julie, Paul, and Will Champion wish to thank Jewel's caregivers in the last years of her life at Carillion of Shelby, Pineville Rehab and Living Center, CHS-Pineville, and Hospice & Palliative Care-Charlotte Region.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Ms. Runyans.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com