She was born 8/30/40 in Albemarle, NC to Webb and Dorothy Poplin. The highlight of her youth was being raised by her grandparents, Crowell and Mary Belle Poplin on their farm in New London, NC. Shirley had previously resided in Charlotte, NC before settling in Clinton to raise her family. While in Charlotte, she earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Shirley was employed by Chesebrough Ponds (Unilever) in the finance department from 1976, retiring in 2007. She was a member of the Westbrook Elks Lodge where she volunteered for many events and enjoyed lunches with her friends. She was a lifelong sports fan, always rooting for the UNC Tarheels, New York Yankees, and Dallas Cowboys. She was thrilled to recently attend a ballgame at Yankee stadium with her grandson and son, and cherished trips to CA and FL with her girls. She always made her presence known with her vibrant energy, sparking a conversation with anyone in her path. Shirley was a true Southern belle who made the most amazing meals to be shared with friends and family. “Nana” was a constant vision on the sideline of her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, always cheering them on.
Shirley is survived by her daughters Tonya Lager and husband Joel of Beverly Hills, CA, Mitzi Tuttle and husband John of East Hampton, CT, son Jason Hall of East Hampton, CT, grandchildren Johnathan Tuttle of Brooklyn, NY, Abigayle Tuttle of Columbia, MD, and Avery Hall of East Hampton, CT. She was predeceased by her brothers Harold and Jerry Poplin.
Visitation hours are Wednesday, December 4th from 6:00-8:00PM and a memorial service Thursday December 5th at 10:00AM, both at Swan Funeral Home in Clinton. In lieu of flowers, consider donations on her behalf to Vietnam Veterans Chapter #270, 106 Flanders Rd. Niantic, CT 06357.
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