Mrs. Eloise Rankin Shuford, 86, of 1405 School Street, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2012, at Iredell Memorial Hospital unexpectedly. She was born in Iredell County on August 5, 1926, and was the daughter of the late John Richard and Carrie Caroline Morrison Rankin. She was married to William Shuford, Jr., who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, John Rankin, Lolie “Son” Rankin, Leon Rankin, Albert Rankin, Robert Rankin and Charles W. Rankin, and sisters, Naomi Rankin Stinson, Geneva Rankin, Louise Rankin Moton, Ina R. Moser, Annie R. Young and Geneva Rankin; and a son-in-law, Marcus Pharr.

She was a graduate of Unity High School and attended Nursing School in Fayetteville. She was employed as a nurse at Iredell Memorial Hospital until her retirement. She was a faithful member of First Greater Living Missionary Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life two sons, William B. Shuford of Statesville and Rickey R. Shuford of China Grove; two daughters, S. Gale Shuford Pharr of Charlotte and Tonda Shuford (Teddy) Millsaps of Statesville; four grandchildren, Nicholas G. Millsaps and Byron T. Millsaps, both of Greensboro, Angela Pharr and Michelle Pharr, both of Charlotte; one great grandchild, Chandler S. Millsaps of Fayetteville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at The First Greater Living Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. John D. McDonald, Pastor will officiate and burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery.

Mrs. Shuford will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 1:00 p.m. Members of the family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m., but will assemble at the residence at other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Eloise Rankin Shuford at www.rutledgeandbigham.com and leave your online condolences. Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the family of Mrs. Eloise Rankin Shuford.