Shirley Jean Riley Seltzer

Shirley Jean Riley Seltzer died peacefully at Amorem Hospice in Valdese, North Carolina on December 26, 2024. 

She was born to Daniel Riley and Eva Rae Sturdivant on August 5, 1944, in Hollywood, Florida. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Gayle Riley DeRogatis.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Edward J. Seltzer of Marion, North Carolina; her children, Joseph (Maryam) Kulchar of Carlsbad, California, Deborah (Steven) Poteat of Marion, North Carolina, Daniel (Carla) Ketola of Saint James, North Carolina, and Gayle Linde of Kernersville, North Carolina; her 3 step-children, Robert Seltzer of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Janine Locascio of West Palm Beach, Florida, Rick (Luz) Seltzer of Coconut Creek, Florida; her 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; one sister, Dana Riley (Mike) Duffy; and two brothers, Greg (Sarah) Riley and Gary (Jocelyn) Riley. 

She was a positive influence and always supportive of her family and close friends. In its Greenlee chapter, she was a member and former chaplain of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Marion, North Carolina where she served as a deaconess. She was the former president of MACA (McDowell Arts Council Association) board of directors. She was a published novelist of “Grace…Within and Without”. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Pastor Patrick Williams officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Burial will be private at a later date at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In place of flowers, please donate to Amorem Hospice house in Valdese, North Carolina.