Shelba Jean Treadway Browning, 88, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Shelba was born March 2, 1938, to the late Dolphus L. Treadway and Mary Ann Rathbone Treadway. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, Shelba lived a simple life in many ways, but the love she gave her family and those around her was anything but ordinary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Browning; her brothers, Hugh “Buster” Treadway and James Treadway; and her sister, Patricia Shook.

More than anything, Shelba was a Mom. She devoted her life to raising her four children and creating a home where they always knew they were loved. She never missed their ballgames, school functions, or the moments that mattered to them. No matter how busy life was, Mom showed up. Her children could always count on her.

And her home wasn’t just ours.It was the house where our friends gathered, stayed, ate, laughed, and always knew they were welcome. Mom didn’t need an invitation or advance notice to feed somebody. If you walked through her door, she would find something for you to eat. She cooked because feeding people was one of the ways she loved them. We will remember a house full of kids who weren’t all hers but were treated like they belonged there anyway. We’ll remember ballgames, school functions, and milestones because she would always be there. We’ll remember food made without recipes, an open door, and a table where there was somehow always enough for one more.

Most of all, we will remember how she loved us.Of all the special relationships in Mom’s life, there was something truly extraordinary about the bond she shared with her daughter Cathy.

Cathy was the apple of her eye, her constant companion, and such a precious part of her heart. They shared their lives together and had a connection that only the two of them could completely understand. Their relationship went far beyond that of a mother and daughter. They were companions, protectors of one another, and each other’s everyday comfort.

Where you saw Mom, Cathy was never far away.The love between them was unconditional and unwavering. Mom spent a lifetime loving and caring for Cathy, but anyone who knew them understood that Cathy gave just as much love back to her mom. They belonged together. It was a bond like no other, and it will forever be one of the most beautiful parts of our mother’s story.

Shelba is survived by her four children, Glenda Hess of Concord, North Carolina; her “favorite daughter,” Cathy Browning of Canton, North Carolina; Glenn Browning and Kim of Canton, North Carolina; and Pam Holly and Harold of Statesville, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephewsShe was also blessed with three grandchildren, Ashley (Ethan), Megan (Patrick), and McKenna (Brayden), 4 great grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her sister, Catherine Bradshaw and her husband, Grover, of Waynesville, North Carolina; and her brother, Dolphus “Red” Treadway of Canton, North Carolina.

A funeral service to honor and remember the life of Mrs. Browning will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, North Carolina, Friday, September 18, 2026. Visitation will be from 1:00 - 3:00 pm with service following at 3:00 with Pastor Kenneth Rhinehart officiating. Burial will be at Buchanan Cemetery in Waynesville.

Our family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Michelle Parker, Angie Riddle, and Cindy Bryson. There really aren’t enough words to thank you for the love, compassion, and care you gave Mom and Cathy. You walked beside our family during a difficult journey and cared for them as if they were your own. Thank you for loving our mom. Thank you for caring for Cathy. Thank you for being there when we needed you and for giving us comfort in knowing they were surrounded by people who genuinely loved them.

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