Constance “Connie” Champion Young, 87, of Shelby, NC died peacefully on September 1, 2011, surrounded by her family.  Her faith as a Christian guided her life.  Connie loved her family deeply and was a treasured mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Connie was born November 16, 1923 in Cleveland County where she enjoyed growing up with a loving family as well as many friends.  She graduated from the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina (UNC-Greensboro) and went from there to be known as an excellent teacher in Reidsville and Mooresboro.  She fell in love and married Carlos Lowery Young in 1949 and began her family the following year.  She was known to always love babies.  First, she loved her own four babies and later her grandchildren.  Connie’s love of her family and friends were Christ inspired.  She always enjoyed the activities of both children and grandchildren.  She was the consummate family member who delighted in hosting family events, the more, the better.  No one can ever recall her saying a mean word, and her favorite discussion was what to give others.

Connie’s abiding faith was exemplified by her many acts of love, compassion and kindness extending outside her family.   She passionately joined her husband in support of those who could not speak for themselves. They served as advocates through numerous educational and medical organizations in Shelby, Cleveland County, and across North Carolina.  She was a member of the numerous community organizations during her lifetime and often took leadership roles in efforts to improve the lives of others.  She was devoted, especially to her Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. 

She was much loved and will be missed greatly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Lowery Young; her son Carlos Lowery Young, Jr; her daughter Kathleen “Kay” Young Chitty; her son-in-law James “Jim” Frank Chitty, III; and her grandsons James “Jay” Frank Chitty, IV, and Taylor Wade Chitty.   

Connie’s survivors include two children, five grandchildren, and a soon-to-be great grandson, including her son Stephen Lewis Young and wife Marijean Frick Young, and two children, Jeanna Maria Young and Stephen “Stevie” Carlos Young of Chapel Hill, NC; daughter Anne Young Beam and husband William “Bill” Moore Beam, their daughter, Mary Allison “Ali” Beam and husband Carlos Fernando Neyra, and their son William “Will” Moore Beam, II, of Wilmington, NC; and granddaugher Haley Young Chitty of Charlotte, NC. 

Mrs. Young is also survived by sister-in-law, Eloise Young Spangler of Shelby, cousins Mary Lillian Vogel, of Shelby, and Marguerite York of Atlanta.

The family thanks those who have visited and added smiles and pleasure to her life.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church, Shelby, on Sunday, September 4, at 1 pm, and the memorial service will follow at 2 pm at First Baptist Church, Shelby.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to First Baptist Church, Shelby or Youth for Christ Burundi (www.greatlakesoutreach.org).  Youth for Christ Burundi checks can be sent to Great Lakes Outreach, PO Box 2379, Mt Pleasant, SC 29465.