Selma Stribling

Selma Reid (Nicholson) Stribling, 90, of Brevard, peacefully entered her Heavenly home and into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 5, 2021, in Shiloh, Illinois.

Selma was born on March 21st, 1931 in Caney Fork, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Ben and Francis Nicholson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Stribling; son-in-law Mark Jones; one brother, Thurman Nicholson; sisters Dallas Ward, Carmen Farley, Daphne Brown, Leah Taylor and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Danish and husband George, of O’Fallon, IL, and Karen Rice and husband Robert, of Mills River, North Carolina. Selma was blessed with grandson Nicholas Jones as well as step grandchildren Natalie Danish, Michelle West (husband David) and Nicole Rice, along with four beautiful step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, all of which were very special to her.

Selma loved the mountains of North Carolina and lived in Brevard until 2011 when she moved to Illinois. She never adjusted to the idea of living without a view of the mountains, but she made many friends in her new home. She was the ‘adopted’ mom and dear friend of Brenda and Alan Stone and became Grandma Selma to their grandson, Stone.  She was also loved by the staff members who cared for her in her assisted living apartment, where she spent the last five years of her life.

Her family heritage was rich with mountain and folk culture and she carried these loves with her throughout her life.  She enjoyed making all kinds of crafts and spent many years in the floral design industry, designing many weddings in Transylvania County. She loved creating floral arrangements for Temple Baptist Church in Pisgah Forest, where she was a member for many years, as well as for friends and family.

Her home in Brevard was her pride and joy and most of her time was spent in her many beautiful flower gardens, as well as growing and preserving vegetables.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, or a local hospice organization of your choice.