Shirley Mae Marchand

Shirley Mae Marchand, 78, of Charlotte passed away on July 24 after a brief illness. She was born in Canton Ohio on January 17, 1938, one of 7 children of the late John and Vergie Meeks. Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Marchand in (1955). Gerald’s job with IBM involved relocating them several times around the country and they especially loved their time in Lexington KY where their 3 children were born. Shirley and her family settled in Charlotte in 1976.

Shirley enjoyed going to the beach, reading, word search puzzles and horse races – especially the Kentucky Derby. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them to play poker – she liked to have a good time, dancing at weddings and she was a huge Elvis fan. She also loved dogs, especially her Grand-dog Emily whom she lost a few years ago. Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Gerald Marchand. She is survived by her 3 children, Nancy Marchand, Laura (Kerry) Edwards and Doug (Laurie) Marchand; 13 grandchildren; Rebecca, Jacob, Hannah, Isaiah, Noah and Benjamin Marchand; Sarah (Michael) Middleton, Sam, Grace, Liz and DC Edwards; Melissa Nance and Jennifer Beeson and 1 great granddaughter, Sophie Beeson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Shirley’s memory to Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203; www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org

A visitation will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 27 at McEwen Pineville Chapel followed by a 2 pm Graveside Service at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews. Online condolences may be left at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com