Genevieve Lance Shope

Genevieve Lance Shope, a beloved matriarch of her family, journeyed to eternal rest on December 9, 2024, from Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family and the beautiful sound of gospel singing that filled the air with warmth and love. She was born on May 2, 1926, in Haywood County, North Carolina, having made her home in Candler, and throughout her life, she personified the values of love, devotion, and strength.

Genevieve was a proud graduate of Candler High School and was later employed at Champion Paper and Fibre and served in the cafeteria of the public school system. However, her most cherished title was that of a homemaker. With an open heart, she provided warm meals and a safe haven for her family, forging an environment filled with laughter, care, and countless treasured moments. It was during her time working at Champion Paper and Fibre where Mr. William Calvin Shope eventually built up the courage to ask Genevieve out, and they were soon married in June of 1948 at her parent's home. 

Her nurturing spirit shone brightly through her love for her family, and also through being a caregiver not only for her children, and grandchildren, but also for the children in her church and neighborhood. Genevieve was more than just a grandmother; she was the glue that held her family together. Always striving to keep the family memories alive, she found joy in scrapbooking, cardmaking, and capturing every precious moment through photographs. Her interests extended beyond just documenting memories; she had a passion for crocheting, quilting, camping, gospel singing, shopping, and solving jigsaw puzzles—activities that showcased not only her creativity but also her zest for life. She was a faithful member of Ridgeway Baptist Church in Candler.

Genevieve is survived by her four devoted children, Carolyn Stamey (Gerald) of Candler, Donna Fowler (Steve) of Canton, Sheila King (Leslie) of Candler, and Larry Shope (Mona) of Candler; her daughter-in-law, Susan Shope of Mooresville; her eleven grandchildren, who were the lights of her life: Michael Stamey (Bridgett), Lorrie Greene (Jim), David Stamey, Toni Shope, Shannon Parton (Jeremy), Kristen Fowler, Geoffrey Fowler, Jennifer Barfield (Jason), Hannah LaFalce (Aaron), Hayden Whitley (Michael), and Ethan Shope (Kim). Adding to her legacy are twenty-three great-grandchildren, each a precious gift: Ava Stamey, Cheyenne Stamey, Elijah Stamey, Shawn Solesbee, Cordell Solesbee, Matthew Greene, Zachary Greene, Sawyer Greene, Liam Nations, Ellie Parton, Kimsey Parton, Abel Fowler, Calvin Fowler, Lexie Barfield, Brantley Barfield, Larriah Whitley, Kipley Whitley, Roxie LaFalce, Jarius LaFalce, Jovie LaFalce, Raeya LaFalce, Bennett Shope, and Adalee Shope. She also leaves behind many other cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her loving husband, William Calvin Shope (2007), her son, Darryl Shope (2024), her parents James Jay "Baldy" and Lexie Crisp Lance, and her siblings Billie Morgan, Jim Lance, Charlie Lance, Gaston Lance, and Rev. R.H. "Bud" Lance. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Ridgeway Baptist Church in Candler with Pastor Mike Leslie and grandson Michael Stamey officiating. The family will receive friends at Ridgeway Baptist Church from 12:30 to 2:00 pm prior to the service. Serving as pallbearers are David Stamey, Ethan Shope, Michael Whitley, Jeremy Parton, Jim Greene, Matthew Greene, Zachary Greene, and Elijah Stamey. Liam Nations and Sawyer Greene will be serving as honorary pallbearers.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to the WMU or Brotherhood at Ridgeway Baptist Church, 525 Old U.S. 19-23, Candler, NC 28715.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers and staff at Pisgah Manor and her special CNA Trish; niece, Barbara Lama; and to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Mission Hospital for their care.

As we remember Genevieve, we celebrate her indomitable spirit, unwavering love, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless memories she created and the love she spread so generously.

The care of Mrs. Shope has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.