Earlene Cribb Horne, born on November 3, 1935, in Columbus County, N.C., passed away peacefully at her home on January 7, 2026, in Statesville, N.C., at the age of 90.

Earlene spent many years working as a sewing machine operator in the textile industry, where her dedication and skill were evident to all who knew her. She was a woman of simple joys and found great happiness in life’s everyday pleasures. Earlene loved to laugh and cherished her time spent with friends at Bojangle’s. Her sweet tooth was well-known, and she delighted in sharing sweets with those around her. A passionate gardener, she took pride in maintaining a beautiful yard full of vibrant flowers, a testament to her love for nature’s beauty.

She was a woman of great faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Lizzie Cribb; her brother, Moody Cribb; sisters Pauline Cartrette, Iva Dewitz, and Alene Godwin; along with four infant siblings.

Earlene leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her daughters, Jolene Burger, Claudia Lucas (Bryan), and Judy Horne; her grandchildren, Tesha, Stacey (Donna), Marshall, Candice, Daniel (Katie), Jennifer (Garrett), Missy (Thomas), Anthony (Allison), Alexis (Cameron), and Patrick; and her sister-in-law, Retha Cribb. She was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews that she loved like her own, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

A private family service will be held at a later date to honor Earlene’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, reflecting her family’s gratitude for the compassionate care she received.

Earlene’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, as well as in the gardens she so lovingly tended.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.