Shirley Clay (Rupard) Brown

Shirley Clay (Rupard) Brown, age 82, of Morganton, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Shirley was born the daughter of the late Carter Preston Rupard and Gertrude Shook Rupard on January 26, 1942 in Watauga County, NC.

Shirley was a hardworking and kind lady. She was a retired waitress who was well known throughout the community. Shirley loved her family and friends. She enjoyed her flower garden and watching her plants grow. Shirley will be missed.

Along with her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Philip Brown, Jr.; two sons, John Edward "Eddie" Brown and Phillip Carter Brown; and ten siblings, Billy Rupard, Nell Presswood, Faye Storie, Grady Rupard, Jimmy Rupard, Bob Rupard, Andrew Rupard, Willie Rupard, Gaither Rupard and Dean Rupard.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include a granddaughter, Nicole Beaver and her husband Gary of Shelby; a great grandson, Brennen Beaver of Shelby; a daughter-in-law, Janice Brown of Casar; and a brother, Jerry Rupard and his wife Ollie of Banner Elk. She is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Kirksey Funeral Home. Funeral services for Shirley will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home's chapel with. Interment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton.

Kirksey Funeral home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.kirkseyfh.com