Shirley Joy Pridgen

Born in Oakboro, NC on January 5, 1937.

Preceded in death by her parents Ernest Crump Carpenter and Mildred Curlee Carpenter, her first husband Grady Pridgen and her second husband Raymond Jefferies, her sister Bronnie Shinn, and her brothers Dwight Carpenter and Christopher Carpenter.

She is survived by her seven children; Grady Pridgen, Alisa Kupec, Cheri Pridgen Grinnan (George), Sean Pridgen (Heather), Chris Pridgen (Anne), Jonathan Pridgen, and Melanie Smith (Jason); eighteen grandchildren; Tyler, Paloma, Solana and Parker Pridgen; Emily, Elizabeth, Olivia and Matthew Kupec, Jr; John and Addison Parsons; Casey and Cole Pridgen; Liza Pridgen; Jadon Miller; Jason II, Preston, Sullivan and Ellie-Harper Smith; brother Keith Carpenter; many nieces and nephews; her dear friend of over 50 years, Helen Couch; and her loving caregiver of many years, Doris Blackwell.

Shirley was a 1957 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in music and was the Homecoming Queen and “Miss Modern Venus” (a title she was particularly proud of). She was a gifted pianist, playing everything from Chopin and Debussy to Rogers and Hammerstein. Shirley taught piano to scores of children her entire adult life, and she instilled a love of music in each of her own children. Her piano talents also were extended to the congregation of Woodlake United Methodist Church for 30 years. Her creativity extended to other art forms. She was a talented seamstress, an expert furniture refinisher, and a Master Gardener.

Shirley was a loving mother and encouraged and supported each of her children’s interests and passions. She was a devoted friend and daughter, caring for her family as they aged. She had a beautiful smile and a wonderful sense of humor.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Shirley.