Shirley Gray

Born on August 12, 1936, in the Kings Creek Community of Caldwell County, Shirley was the daughter of Bill and Mildred Brookshire, who preceded her in death. She married Eugene Gray in Banner Elk Presbyterian Church 65 years ago. After obtaining her nursing degree from Grace Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Morganton, she began her nursing career in Jefferson; raised her family and worked at Alleghany Memorial in Sparta for 21 years; and eventually moved to Lenoir to finish her career with Thompson Medical Center, working there for 13 years. In 2021, she and Eugene moved to Raleigh.

After her retirement, Shirley volunteered for five years as a Hospice in-home caregiver in Lenoir. While raised a Baptist, she was a long time member of Presbyterian congregations in West Jefferson, Sparta, and Lenoir and was actively involved in the Presbyterian Women's organization. Her hobbies included gardening and bird watching. Shirley was a proud native of Western North Carolina, and her memory will be cherished by countless colleagues and friends in the Sparta and Lenoir communities.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Jim (Christi) of Raleigh and Jeff (Vicki) of Davidson, and her sister, Sandy Barlowe (Jim) of Kings Creek. She is also survived by five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Johnny and Roger Brookshire, and a nephew, Bryan Brookshire.

The celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 18th at Greenway Presbyterian Church in Lenoir, with Rev. Leah Epps officiating. Visitation begins at 1:00 with the service beginning at 2:00. Brown-Wynne is assisting the family with funeral arrangements in Raleigh.

Donations in Shirley's memory can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (https://raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/5052831) or to Pay It Forward Food Pantry, 2058 Harper Ave., Lenoir, NC 28645.

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