Shirley Holcomb Skinner

Shirley Holcomb Skinner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at the age of 74. She was born on June 17, 1951, in Trenton, Georgia to the late Edward and Arvie Holcomb. After growing up in Flat Rock, Alabama and graduating from Pisgah High School, she moved to Virginia, beginning a life journey filled with love, service, and devotion to her family and community.

Shirley began her career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where she met the love of her life, John J. Skinner. The two married and shared 53 years of partnership, building a home and raising a family together in northern Virginia, ultimately retiring in New Bern, North Carolina until John’s passing in November 2024.

After her time with the FBI and the federal government, Shirley devoted the majority of her career to education and service in her community. She worked at Manassas Baptist Preschool before joining the Manassas City Public School System, where she served with dedication for many years. Beginning at Weems Elementary School and later moving to the Central Office, she retired as a Senior Payroll Specialist, remembered for her professionalism and unwavering support of her colleagues.

Outside of work, Shirley found joy in her many hobbies. She enjoyed singing, craft painting, and crocheting, and was a prolific reader who always had a book nearby. She also loved walking and traveling with John, faithfully following him anywhere life took them–except during the northern winters, which she warmly declined. Her sense of care and devotion made her the heart of her family and a source of joy to her friends.

Shirley is survived by her son Aaron Skinner and his wife, Kate, and their daughters, Ainsley and Evie; her daughter, Jessica Skinner; and her older sister, Carolyn Blankenship. She is also survived by Carolyn’s children, Scott Blankenship and his wife Lee, Mishelle Farrell, and Cindy Miller and her husband Dwayne. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bryce Holcomb, and her sister, Frances Dickerson. She is lovingly remembered by Bryce’s daughter, Melissa Higdon and her husband Joe, and Frances’s sons, Michael and Mark Dickerson, along with many other extended family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, in New Bern, North Carolina.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, Shirley’s love, wisdom, and enduring spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Shirley Holcomb Skinner.