ST. JAMES — Shelley Petersen Lesher, 72, passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center.
She was born in Denver, Colorado, to Charles C. and Lalla Kirkpatrick. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Patty Woerner.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jim; daughter, Christine Gavazzi; son, Paul Petersen; stepchildren, Steve Lesher and Mitzi Lesher-Thomas; and eight grandchildren.
Throughout her life, her family always came first. After moving to St. James, she discovered an athletic ability and renewed her love of bridge. She was an avid runner completing over a dozen half marathons in her sixties. She also discovered a love of pottery and displayed at Franklin Gallery. She felt that one of her greatest accomplishments while serving eight years on St. James Town Council and four years as mayor, was the initiation and final approval of the St. James Town Hall and Community Center.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. The family will hold a reception immediately after the service at the St. James Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
Share online condolences with the family at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service.
