SHELBY- Rachel Sue Oaks, born on March 2, 1944, in Cleveland County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on September 8, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family.

Rachel's journey through life was marked by dedication, love, and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who knew her. She spent her early years in Cleveland County, where she graduated from Burns High School and delighted in playing basketball. Her commitment to nurturing young minds led her to serve as a Teaching Assistant at James Love Elementary, where she profoundly impacted the lives of countless children with her warmth and wisdom. For 25 years, she worked at EDC (Polygram) as a molding technician, demonstrating not only her technical skills but also her tenacity and integrity.

Rachel's interests were as varied and vibrant as her personality. She was an avid baker, known far and wide for her delectable brownies, biscuits, and pound cake. Her love for sewing and her cherished cocker spaniels brought her immense joy, as did her passion for sudoku, large print word finds, and indulging in chocolate. Above all, her love for her grandchildren shone brightly, and she treasured every moment spent with them. A frequent visitor to Polkville Discount, Rachel's presence was always felt wherever she went.

A devoted member of Zoar Baptist Church, Rachel found strength and solace in her faith. Her stubborn nature and belief that she was "always right" endeared her to her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and fortitude.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, James David Webb and Nellie Green Webb; her granddaughter, Samantha Anthony; her brother, Huey Webb; and her sister, JoAnn Webb. She is survived by her son, David Oaks, and his wife Tracy; her daughters, Donna Flowers and her husband Tommy, and Angela Anthony and her husband Mark; her sisters, Darlene Pruitt and her husband Steve, and Amogene Almeda; her brothers, Ray Webb and his wife Jane, David Faron Webb, and James Matthew "Butch" Webb and his wife Angela. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Joey Honeycutt II and his wife Trina, Christopher Honeycutt, David Oaks, Megan Henson and her husband Richard, Chase Oaks, Cole Flowers, and Ciara Flowers. Her legacy also extends to her great-grandchildren, Landon, Josiah, Damian, Joey, Teyla, Persaysus, Bentley, Maylee, and Wyatt.

Family and friends will gather to share memories and celebrate Rachel's remarkable life on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, followed by her burial at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Rachel Sue Oaks leaves behind a tapestry of love, strength, and inspiration woven into the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will forever be cherished.

The family will be gathered at Rachel’s home if you would like to pay your condolences.