Shirley Thomas Brown

Lake Wylie, SC

I am sure this will come as a surprise to many, but apparently I have passed away. As many of you know I have set my own schedules and done things my way most of my life. This appointment I left to the Lord to make. Now don’t expect too many changes up here right away because for a while I‘m going to enjoy my new lungs and visit with those I haven’t seen for a while. For those of you that attended “Shirley Brown University” remember the things I taught you and the times we had. To Jim, Shirley, Jr., Terri and Precious, remember that I have always loved you with all of my heart. As planned I have had the last words and I now turn this over to my personal assistant, who earned the right to take over. To all my family and friends please don’t be sad or shed tears (well maybe a few) because I am gone and you will forever be in my heart and me in yours.

Shirley Jane Thomas Brown passed peacefully after a long illness on Sunday May 8, 2016 at home in the presence of her loving family. Shirley was born on March 24, 1938 in Watauga County, daughter of the late Hubert Glen Thomas and Sarah Jane Thomas. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, Democrat and friend to all she met.

Shirley was very lucky to find a career she loved at a young age and retired from the hospitality industry. Over her 50 year career, she worked her way up the corporate

ladder to Director of Operations for Southeast Hotel Properties.

Mrs. Brown is survived by her husband Harry James “Jim” Brown, who was a partner with her in the hospitality industry, her best friend and amazing caregiver; daughters Shirley W. Kohut (Michael), Teresa W. Enfinger (Jerry); son Claude H. “Tim” Winebarger and Geneva Herring; grandchildren Michelle Bullard (Clay), Justin L. Hilton, Clifton Enfinger, Tabatha Enfinger , Angel Causey (Bruce) and Kristopher Herring; great grandchildren Banks and Angelina Bullard, Levi Winkle, Ashton Enfinger and Max and Adeline Causey; Sisters Cleo Bentley, Linda Farmer (Jerry), Reba Hodges (Harvey), Jo Thomas; brother Robert “Bob” Thomas (Van); many nieces and nephews and friends that became family over the years.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two infant sons, Douglas McDee and Joseph Carl Winebarger; brother Clint Hubert Thomas; brother in law Lloyd J. Bentley.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stuart J. Garner for his unbelievable care and friendship for over 20 years. Dr. Garner was the only person to make the Dean’s list at “Shirley Brown University. The family would like to thank the many healthcare givers throughout her illness, most recently those who kept giving until the end with love, patience, and excellent care Devery Shannon, Linda Laws, Roger Shuford and Ann Lee from Agape Hospice, York, SC. Liz Winkler with Apria Healthcare, Dr. Larry Berman and Juliana Bujake.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at McEwen Funeral Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park from 11am to12:00pm, followed by service beginning at 12:00pm. Interment will procede in Sharon Memorial Park with a reception following.

Mrs. Brown has requested that people who wish to send memorials do so to Newport Baptist Church, 455 Hands Mill Highway, Rock Hill, SC.

McEwen Funeral Service is caring for the Brown family.