Shirley Owens White

Born August 13, 1923 in Burlington, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jerome and Bessie Lamb Owens of Graham, NC. On June 21, 1944 she married Elliott White, her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, who predeceased her in 2017. They were blessed to have 73 wonderful years together. She is survived by daughter, Beverly Edwards (Smokey) of Atlanta, GA; son, Richard White (Glenna) of Waxhaw, NC; grandchildren, James Edwards (Emily) of Atlanta, GA, Matt Edwards (Megan) of Richmond, VA, Avery White of Lincolnton, NC, and Anna White of Asheville, NC; great-grandchildren, Jack Edwards and Davis Edwards of Atlanta, GA and Erin Edwards of Richmond, VA and beloved brother-in-law, Bill Bradshaw of Graham, NC. She was predeceased by daughter, Adelaide Erwin White; son, William Elliott White III; and grandson, William Scott Edwards. She was additionally predeceased by siblings and spouses, Cleo and Nina Graham Owens of Graham, NC, Jimmy and Pauline Cross of Burlington, NC, and Peggy Bradshaw of Graham, NC.

Shirley had a spirited personality, extremely sharp wit, and entertaining sense of humor. She loved growing up in Graham during the “Big Band” era. She was a great dancer and especially fond of “Boogie Woogie” and “Jitterbugging”. She enjoyed reminding others that she was the Salutatorian of her high school class and how, in elementary school, she “chose” Elliott to be “hers” leading to a lifetime of mutual love and devotion.

She was proud to support her beloved Elliott through his career as a pediatrician, involving many moves across the country, beginning with his time in medical school, through residency, and ultimately through his 36 years of pediatric practice in Charlotte. She accepted without complaining his late nights on call and the routine last-minute change in family plans to attend to patients. Their marriage was the quintessential role model for a good marriage. Together they navigated the ups and downs of life, always together and with a never-ending love for each other built through nine decades of commitment.

“Shirley O”, as she was affectionately known, was an original resident at The Cypress of Charlotte having moved there with Elliott in 1999. She relocated to the Stewart Health Center in August 2017 and quickly enamored herself to the staff and residents. Shirley always brought a smile to the faces of others through her charm, grand personality, and sense of humor.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose mantra throughout her life was, “My family comes first”. Nothing pleased her more than taking care of her family and making sure they were happy and well cared for. She was a member of Sardis Presbyterian Church and past member of Myers Park Country Club.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff and caregivers of The Cypress for their support and loving care, especially Sophia Navaroli, who was a loving and regular companion of Shirley’s over the past year. The family also extends thanks to Sardis Presbyterian Church for their love, remembrances, and regular contact.

A family graveside service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at a future time. Memorial contributions can be made to Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28270.