Margaret Shelton Rhinehart

Margaret Shelton Rhinehart 

(1933 – 2024)

Margaret Shelton Rhinehart, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great -grandmother and friend, passed away on January 31, 2024.  She was born on November 2, 1933 in Haywood County to the late Mitchell and Pauline Shelton.

Margaret was married to the Reverand John (J.B.) Rhinehart for 53 years before his death in 2006. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Virgil, Berlin, Ronnie, and Zeb Shelton and five sisters, Marie Mahfet, Louise Stokes, Nancy Mathis Griffin, and Olene Rhymer, and Joanne Stewart.

Margaret is survived by one brother, James Messer (Clover, SC), two sisters, Geneva McDowell (Asheville), Wilma Drew (Casselberry, FL), sister-in-law, Effie Yarborough (Waynesville) and numerous nieces and nephews throughout North and South Carolina.

Margaret is survived by her loving children, Debra (James) Mintz, of Waynesville, Trenia (Calvin) Sims of Tuckasegee and Jonnie Sue (Rick) Kirkpatrick of Lake Junaluska. She will forever be remembered by her grandchildren, Kristin Rogers, Justin (Meagan) Mintz, Lacey Mintz, Cynthia Sims, Bryan (Barbara) Sims, Jessica Sims, Blake (Samantha) Kirkpatrick, Cassie (Dustin) Maynor, Sondra (Mark) Conley, Renita Chastain, Chad (Lindsay) Michaels, great grandchildren, Jake Rogers, Gage and John Brennen Mintz, Tanner, MacKenzie, Amelia, Analyn, Nathaniel and Donavan Sims, Jackson Rice, Devin Rowe, Joe Conley and Addison Rowe and one great-great grandchild, Sa’montye Sims.

A devoted Christian woman who loved her Lord, Margaret was a faithful member of Hyatt Creek Freewill Baptist Church in Waynesville, NC until she became physically unable to attend. She was born into a singing family (Shelton's) and loved to sing gospel songs at any time, night, or day, with or without an audience. She treated others with kindness and never let anyone leave without telling them she loved them (a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck).

Margaret’s special interests included working in her beautiful flower gardens, reading, crafting, and sewing, singing, making wreaths, and laughing with her grandchildren. 

Her legacy will live on through the memories of stories shared by those whose lives she touched and her unconditional love for her three daughters. May she rest in peace knowing she made a profound impact on the lives of everyone who knew her.

To honor Margaret’s life, visitation services will be held at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with the funeral immediately following at 2:00 p.m. 

During this time, the family will gather for fellowship in the evenings at 337 Holston Village Road, Waynesville.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Skyland Terrace and Rehabilitation in Waynesville, Spicewood Cottages Assisted Living Facility and Wells Funeral Home for the loving care provided to Margaret. Expressions of sympathy in the form of flowers and cards appreciated, or donations may be made to Skyland Terrace Activities Fund, 516 Wall Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Rhinehart has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.