Shirley Ann (Collier) Barker, 78, of Lake Wylie, passed away peacefully at the Robin Johnson Hospice House, in Dallas, on Tuesday morning September 10, 2024. Her loving husband, Butch Barker, was by her side as she transitioned out of this life. Shirley was a devoted Christian. From a young age, she served in multiple church roles. Her grandfather was a traveling tent evangelist and Shirley often worked with his ministries. Shirley had a commitment to the elderly, even volunteering at various nursing homes through her affiliation with Parkwood Baptist Church. She also volunteered with the Habitat for Humanity Foundation.
Shirley is the daughter of the late Rosa (Bell) Collier and Ernest Collier. Shirley was born and raised in Laurinburg, North Carolina. She graduated from Laurinburg High School where she was the MVP on the Ladies Basketball team in 1964. She continued her education at Pembroke University where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree.
Upon graduation, Shirley became a teacher of Physical Education and Mathematics. Shirley pursued additional education at Montreat Business College. After teaching, she was a stockbroker for a while before she joined Bell South. She started as an operator, but quickly became a digital technician. She retired from Bell South after 30 years of service. Shirley was always on the go and even in retirement, she owned and operated Glorious Creations, Flowers and Gifts.
Shirley loved learning. She had a certificate in Nuero-Linguistic Programing. Shirley never met a stranger. Her passions included Thrift Store shopping. Her husband said she made the best fried chicken he ever tasted. Shirley had multiple interests and she touched many people’s lives. She will be forever missed.
Shirley leaves behind her husband of 35 years, William “Butch” Barker. He sister, Virginia Hatcher, from Richmond VA, is also grieving Shirley’s passing.
Shirley had two nieces. These nieces, Kim Frashure and Stacy Rogowski were the two daughters Shirley always wanted but never had. Shirley loved these girls more than life its self. She always treated these girls as if they were her daughters. Kim and Stacy are grieving their Aunt Shirley’s loss as much as they would their flesh and blood mother.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday September 21, 2024 at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC. The family is providing Hors d'oeuvres for friends and relatives who gather to remember Shirley.
Fond memories, photos, words of encouragement and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the charity of your choice.
The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Barker Family.
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