LaLene Hunt Washburn, 91, of Boiling Springs, NC passed away at her home Wednesday January 3, 2024.

A native of Cleveland County, she born on September 13, 1932 the ninth child of Bulo McKinley Hunt Sr. and Coy Lee Self Hunt. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of 41 years, John Washburn, Jr., in 1993, as well as her brothers Ralph, Jack, Paul and Bulo, Jr. "Bud" Hunt and her sisters, L Dee Carter, Lillie Hord, Margie Palm, Mattie Wellmon, and Barbara Young.

Survivors include her children, Michael Kim Washburn of Columbia, SC, Cheryl Ann Washburn of Boiling Springs, NC, John Craig and wife Diane Washburn of Boiling Springs, NC, her only granddaughter Katie and Husband Rob Gibbs of Wilmington, NC, brother-in-law, Flay and Martha Washburn of Shelby, NC as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her grand pup Charla.

LaLene graduated from Lattimore High School in 1950 and attended business school before her marriage. She spent most of her working career as a university librarian and was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.

She enjoyed music, travel and reading. She was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves and Dukes Men's Basketball. LaLene will be remembered for her laugh, her cooking, and love of family.

Her family wishes to thank Shelby Medical Associates, Center Well Home Health and Hospice of Cleveland County. Also, her private caretakers, Chanel, Kia, Tina, Jeanine, Mabel , Geraldine and DeAshia.

A celebration of life service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, January 5, 2024 in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to VIA Health Partners founded as Hospice Cleveland County: 951 Wendover Heights Drive Shelby, NC 28150. Or Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 321, Boiling Springs, NC 28017.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the family.