Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Chan and Edie, her sister Jackie, and her former spouse Bill.
Shirley is survived by her loving family and friends, including: her daughter Lynda, her son-in-law Chuck, and her granddaughter Kathryn; her daughter Suzanne and her son-in-law Wyatt; her nephew Scott; her niece Sandy and husband Ron; her extended family Alice, Betsy, Bev, Bobby, Billy, Peggy, Thurman, Lori, Todd, Sherry, Jude and their families; her partner and sweetheart of 42 years Rick Stall; her best friend Carol; and her wonderful neighbors at Brownstone: Jean, Betty Ray, Patricia, Ray and Pat, and Lib and Bill.
Shirley was born in Kenmore, New York on June 13, 1935 and was all too happy to move to North Carolina’s better climate. With her former spouse Dr. William A. Sumner, Shirley was an owner and the office manager of the Greensboro Veterinary Hospital for many years. Shirley also worked as an office manager for The Servant Center and later the Greensboro Historical Museum, where she worked until she retired.
Shirley was active in the Episcopal Church, singing in the All Saints’ choir, and particularly involved with Cursillo, where she was the Executive Secretary for Cursillo in the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. She and Rick led workshops to spread God’s love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her other passions were cooking, antiques, pottery, knitting, and calling daily to check on her family, friends, and neighbors.
Shirley had an infectious laugh, a generous heart, a giving spirit, and a forgiving soul. She loved every person and every animal she encountered. Shirley immensely enjoyed raising her daughters at Lyn-Su Acres, a small farm with a menagerie of animals. Many of her favorite stories were from the zany antics of the various farm animals.
Shirley handled adversity with the utmost grace and always thought of others before herself. Shirley’s parting message to us all is to live our lives in love, and she has given us the perfect example to follow. Shirley loved the color red, so whenever you wear red, think of Shirley.
A memorial celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church at 4211 Wayne Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27407 on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Another private celebration will be held in Jamestown, New York where Shirley will join her sister Jackie in the columbarium in the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charity or organization you choose that supports people or animals in need.
