She graduated from Durham High School in 1961 and declined education at Duke University in favor of getting married and being a mother. She eventually worked for and retired from Human Resources at Wake County Govt. Shirley was an avid reader and had a passion for writing. She enjoyed playing word games, especially scrabble. Shirley loved listening to music throughout her life and played piano when younger. She could talk hours on the phone and never had trouble being liked.
She was a devoted mother to two children, Tish Halle (Steve) of Rockville, MD and Dr. Brad Hurst (Betsy) of Gastonia, NC and the proud grandmother of four, Taylor, Evan, Lauralee and Mary Kate. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy Marshall McFarland and Mary O’Briant McFarland.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, NC .
We would like to mention the exceptional care and love she received in her last several years by the staff of Courtland Terrace.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com for the Hurst Family.