Shirley Pittman Carson

Shirley is survived by husband, Melvin (Mel) Douglas Carson; sons, M. Douglas Carson, Jr, (Carol), George M. Carson, II, (Erin), and John W. Carson, (Erin Cook, Jacob’s Mother). Nana’s grandchildren are Jacob Parks Carson (20), Hadley Mae Carson (9), and Leo Campbell Carson (8). Sisters are Gloria Overbay (Larry), Vickey Christenbury (Charles), and Betty Jean Tatum (Tom); and sister-in-law, Barbara Brown (Charlie). Shirley is also survived by wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.

Shirley’s three sisters organized their schedules so that someone was with Shirley at all times during her three long hospital stays this year.

Shirley and Mel met at Duke Power Company, married June 15, 1968, and would celebrate their 56th Anniversary in 2024. Shirley left Duke Power when her children came along beginning in 1977. She was always very involved being a good mother and became an expert on raising boys. Shirley was at various times a school grade mother, a chauffeur, a band booster, a baseball team mother, an orchestra mom, a Sunday School teacher, a Church and school choir supporter, a talented multitask coordinator, and totally immersed in loving and supporting her children and family. Shirley enjoyed hosting family gatherings for any occasion including many family birthdays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

As the children matured, Shirley began working part-time with Mel in the Hornets Nest Region, AACA car club office. She later became Office Manager, involved with the club production of Charlotte AutoFair and other club activities. She worked very closely with her “office sisters” Brenda Painter, Linda Williams, Amy Tetrault, Denva Edens, and Shirley’s sister, Betty Jean Tatum. Shirley developed many friendships working with vendors and club members in the main vendor sales tent at Charlotte AutoFair twice each year for thirty years. Shirley was proficient with AACA National car show organization and original car knowledge. Shirley was a friend to all and wanted to help everyone be happy through anything she could do to help.

As AACA ‘First Lady,’ Shirley attended the February 2020 National Convention in Philadelphia with Mel as National AACA President. Shirley presented the First Lady’s breakfast program, with special friend, Amy Tetrault’s wedding dress history description and display.

The family appreciates the kind and compassionate care provided by Novant Oncology Doctor Kellie Schneider. The doctors, nurses, and staff of Novant Presbyterian Main and Novant Matthews Hospital have been outstanding in their profession as they shepherded Shirley through extensive treatment the last several years. Shirley fought hard and diligently followed all requirements of medical care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sardis Presbyterian Church (6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270) on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:00pm, with a reception for friends and family afterward. Sardis Church Reverend Joe B. Martin will officiate with Reverend Doctor Tom Tatum and Reverend Trent Tatum.

Private graveside services were held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hornets Nest Region Foundation, Inc. or to a Charity of your choice.