Our beloved mother, Carolyn Virginia Shives, went home to her Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 9, 2025, at the age of 76. She lived a life rooted in faith and devoted to Christ and is now rejoicing in His presence.
Carolyn was born to Leonard Van Barnhard and Martha Marie Bernhard on November 23, 1948 in Berkeley Springs, WV.
Carolyn married the love of her life, George Edward Shives Jr. on April 4, 1965. They enjoyed forty-two years of marriage before he preceded her in death on May 28, 2007. They are now joyfully reunited in heaven.
In addition to being a devoted wife, Carolyn was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, and great- great grandmother who saw her greatest earthly gift as her family. In recent years, her great-grandchildren brought her infinite joy and pleasure.
Carolyn also had a heart for church and ministry. She and George were active participants at Needmore Bible Church for over 30 years. She has spent the last ten years of her life enjoying Rehoboth New Life Church in Needmore, PA. Carolyn looked for opportunities to serve her Savior. Before her husband George’s passing, they served together in a work ministry called RVICS (Roving Volunteers In Christ’s Service). After George’s passing, she continued to work for many of her remaining years in volunteer service at several ministries including Bible Basics International and Camp Joy El. She also enjoyed hunting various wildlife in Pennsylvania and Colorado with her husband George for many years.
In addition to being a mother of two, she worked many years transporting kindergarteners for Fulton County Schools half-day kindergarten classes, and as an optometrist assistant, and as a District Magistrate Office Clerk.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter; Sheila (wife of Michael) DeShong, of Harrisonville, PA, son; Michael Joe (husband of Wendie) Shives, of Hagerstown, MD, brother; Richard “Dick” L. (husband of Vivian) Bernhard, of Needmore, PA and sister; Janice Mae (wife of Richard) Layton, of Everett, PA.
In addition to her husband and parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister Gloria Adelsberger.
While we grieve her passing, we find solace in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited in God’s eternal kingdom.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at Rehoboth New Life Church in Needmore, PA on August 13, 2025, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Lowell Bard officiating, with 1 hour prior visitation, where we will gather to honor her memory and rejoice in the promise of everlasting life.
Interment will be at the Needmore Bible Church Cemetery, Needmore, PA.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to Rehoboth New Life Church, 8159 Great Cove Road, Needmore, PA 17238.
Psalms 23 1-4 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Arrangements were made by the Howard L. Sipes Funeral home Inc., McConnellsburg, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Virginia Shives, please visit the floral store.
