Shirley Williams Dew

Shirley Williams Dew, of Bailey, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on June 28, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved mother-in-law, treasured aunt, faithful friend, and a woman whose kindness, faith, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Bobby Dew, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, faith, and unwavering commitment. She also leaves behind her three sons: Robert Dew (Beth), Stanley Dew (Brenda), and Glenn Dew (Sharon).

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Dennison Dew (Amber), Matt Dew (Heather), Brooks Dew, Danielle Dew Knapp (Daniel), Lianna Dew Knapp (Hampton) and Tyler Dew (Rebecca). Nothing brought Shirley greater joy than spending time with her family, including her eleven great-grandchildren, who filled her heart with happiness. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy Williams and Bessie Williams, as well as her seven brothers and sisters. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Patricia Finch and Mavis Perry, and her brother-in-law, Bill Jackson. She was also blessed to have dedicated, compassionate and loving caregivers Helen Herbst, Pam Crocker and Carrie Vaughan.

Shirley retired after a successful career in the Accounting Department at Wilson County Social Services, where she was respected for her dedication, integrity, and caring nature. Retirement simply allowed her to devote even more time to the people and activities she loved most—her family, her church, and her community.

A faithful member of White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey for many years where she also held many teaching and leadership positions, Shirley lived her faith every day through her compassion, generosity, and servant's heart. She was always ready with a warm smile, an encouraging word, or a helping hand – and her cooking and decorating skills for church functions were legendary. Whether she was welcoming someone at church, supporting a friend in need, or simply making everyone around her feel special, Shirley had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved.

To those who knew her best, Shirley's greatest accomplishment was her family. She was the steady foundation that held them together, the first to celebrate life's joys and the first to offer comfort during difficult times. Her love was unconditional, her laughter contagious, and her presence a blessing to all who knew her. As her three sons have often said, the world is simply not as bright today as it was yesterday.

The family will receive friends during a visitation at White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey on Thursday, July 2, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m.

While Shirley will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, kindness, and devotion to family will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. The family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace and reunited with those who went before her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church.