Shirley Rigney Carr

Shirley Rigney Carr, 76, of Greensboro NC, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Shirley was born on August 23, 1948, in Franklin County, VA to Warren Harden and Mary “Louise” Rigney. After college, Shirley began her career as a social worker, she had a passion for helping others. Upon becoming a homemaker Shirley became involved in philanthropy both as a volunteer and as a professional. She organized the Hospice Organization of Danville, VA as well as Doves - an organization against domestic violence. She was also the Executive Director of Friends You Can Count On (for Breast Cancer Research). More recently, she joined groups helping Afghan families resettle in Greensboro. Shirley was a true advocate of those in need.

Shirley valued education. She received her bachelor’s degree from Averett University and her master’s degree from UNCG. She was also a certified business and executive coach. Through coaching, Shirley loved supporting others in reaching their full potential.

Traveling the world was one of Shirley’s favorite pastimes. She loved airplanes and would literally stop the car to listen to the sounds of the jet engines. In addition to traveling Shirley had many hobbies. She was an amazing cook and even took cooking classes for a time in France. She enjoyed tennis and was a tennis pro, playing competitively for many years, even starting the USTA League in Danville VA. Shirley loved flowers and was in several organizations hosting competitions, where she both arranged and was an official flower show judge. She also loved art and successfully tried her hand at painting. Shirley and her husband Charles shared a second home in Naples. In retirement, they enjoyed dividing time between there and Greensboro. While in Florida, Shirley obtained her real estate licenses (FL, NC). Allowing her to help many of her hometown friends also find 2nd homes in Naples.

As a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal, Shirley loved her church and church family. She also had a tight group of amazing friends! Her girls in Greensboro were quite the dynamic crew - they were always there for one another, doing so many wonderful things and seizing every opportunity to celebrate every occasion possible. They were the definition of fun!

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Louise and a step-son, Charles Carr, III.

Shirley is survived by her loving family, husband, Charles Carr, Jr.; daughter, Jacqueline Hobgood and husband Kelly; two dearly loved grandsons, Jackson (Isabelle) and Jones (Rain); one great grand baby boy, Waylon, who Shirley also loved with her whole heart; two step-daughters, Catherine Carr and Elizabeth Hill; and her younger sister, Patricia Lovelace and her husband Sonny.

A celebration of life service will be held for Shirley at 11 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. The family will receive friends with a light reception following the service in the Haywood Duke room.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street #230, Wellesley Hills, MA (curealz.org) or the charity of your choice.