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1st black woman elected to NC Superior Court seat dies

Fulton passed away Wednesday.
Credit: Tin Fulton, Walker and Owen Law Office

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former North Carolina Supreme Court judge Shirly Fulton passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 71. 

The South Carolina native made history as the first Black woman elected to a Superior Court seat in North Carolina.

"When Shirley Fulton entered a room, one could feel her strong presence. She used that power to lead many organizations to a stronger position than when she arrived." Dr. Mary Howerton said.

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Fulton graduated from Duke University law school and worked as an assistant Mecklenburg County prosecutor before being appointed in 1987 to a District Court judge seat. She was elected to Superior Court in 1988 and served later as a senior resident Superior Court judge, according to The Associated Press. 

AP also says Fulton left the bench in the early 2000s and went into private practice. She became a founding partner of the law firm called Tin Fulton, Walker and Owen.

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"Shirley never lost sight of where she came from or what was important to her. She was always focused on helping people and making the community better. Charlotte has lost a true role model." Noell P. Tin, the founding partner at Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, said. 

Howerton said Fulton's funeral service will be held at Johnson C. Smith University, Sunday. 

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