Shirley Sneed Davidson

On Feb. 9, 2026, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor and friend, Shirley Sneed Davidson (90) passed away at Clear Creek Nursing and Rehab Community in Charlotte, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Henry Davidson, and is survived by their three sons and families, Robert (Bob) and Diana Davidson and children, Robert (Curt) and Natalie, Dwight and Terry Davidson and children, Eric and Zachary, and Scott and Camylle Davidson.

Shirley was born in Kingston, West Virginia on Nov. 2nd 1935, the second of four children (Margaret, Shirley, Rebecca, and Alexander) to Delbert and Sytha Sneed. Delbert worked in the W Va coal mines as an electrician during the early years of Mom’s childhood; so, she was a true “coal miner’s daughter”. Later, the family moved to the much larger (ha!) town of Oak Hill, W Va, about a 20-minute drive east of Kingston. We, sons (Bob, Dwight, and Scott), have fond memories of the house on Gray Street (originally built by Delbert in 1953), but most of Mom’s stories were from the time before when they lived on Jones Avenue. This is where she spent her adolescent years and learned to play the piano and violin, as well as cheer-lead for her beloved Collins High School Red Devils (class of ’53). We are reminded of all this every time we hear the beautiful song “Clair de Lune”. It was the song she played for her senior piano recital just prior to graduation. It was always her favorite.

Even when she began to feel the tragic effect of Alzheimer’s in her later years, she could still find the notes to “Clair de Lune”.

After graduation, Shirley was on a train to Washington DC specific to FBI trainees, joining many other young women like herself in the Fingerprint division. Not long after, Mom’s story merged with Dad’s. They met at an “off-base” party (Dad being a Marine), and the sparks really flew! Shortly thereafter, they had what was known as the famous “dinner date”. Dad had to leave his prized watch (high school graduation gift from his parents) as collateral to cover dinner. Afterwards, they took in the movie “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”, and this was the start of their love story for many decades.

Married on Jan. 19, 1955, Mom and Dad proved their bond of 67 years until Dad’s passing in May of 2022. After getting married, Mom enjoyed raising her three sons and was a devoted housewife; she also supported Dad as he worked full-time while earning his Engineering degree from Ohio State University. In Columbus, she also found time to indulge in her love of flower arranging, winning best of show at the Columbus Garden Club in 1964. After Dad graduated in 1965, the adventure led our family of 5 to Winter Park, Florida where he accepted a position with Martin Marietta (1966). For the next 17 years, while seeing her sons play baseball, learn musical instruments, complete their schooling, and begin to live lives of their own, Mom became a successful real-estate agent in and around Winter Park. Then, in 1983, Mom and Dad moved to Baltimore, Maryland. The two of them enjoyed the next 13 years together, becoming members of the Hunt Valley Country Club where they both loved to play golf. They stayed in Baltimore until 1996 and then retired to Florida - living at the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club. They enjoyed a beautiful retirement for over 20 years playing golf and cruising regularly. … and were not above an occasional trip to Las Vegas, Nevada or Biloxi, Mississippi.

In 2014, Mom was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, although we had suspected for some time that things were amiss. It was around this time Dad began taking on more care of her as best he could with the help of Shirley’s sister, Becky. Over time, it became clear that even with family and in-home help, it was more than they could handle. So, in July 2017, Mom and Dad relocated to Charlotte, NC and entered Assisted Living.

Mom, we miss you so… but are bolstered by your love for us through the years and all the memories of a life well lived, one you fought for and achieved, of your relationship with Dad, and your pride in us boys! Yours has been a “long goodbye”. In many ways, we’re glad you’re no longer bound by the constraints of this terrible disease.

Bob, Dwight, and Scott

A joyous “celebration of life” for both of our parents will be scheduled at a future date. The family greatly appreciates your thoughts and well wishes. For those who wish to contribute in some way, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please copy the link below to see Bob's obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlotte-nc/robert-davidson-10737030