Shirley Johnson Gilbert

Published 12:04 pm Friday, December 27, 2024

SUNNY VIEW — Shirley Johnson Gilbert, 99, of Sunny View, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on His birthday, Wednesday morning, December 25, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Shirley Gilbert was born on February 7, 1925, in Green Creek, North Carolina.  She was the third child and only daughter of Pearl Reed Johnson and Thomas Foster. Johnson.  Shirley attended Green Creek School.  She went on to earn her teaching certificate at Spartanburg Junior College, then earned her teaching degree from Western Carolina University in 1961.  Shirley worked as a second and third grade teacher for 30 years before retiring from Sunnyview Elementary in 1977.

Shirley married the late Harold Joe Gilbert on October 25, 1946.  They had two children, Barbara Sue (September 25, 1947) and Joe Thomas (February 3, 1955; deceased February 7, 2007).  Shirley and Harold moved to Coopers Gap in 1948 to the house in which she lived for 76 years.

Shirley was a faithful churchgoer as a member of Melvin Hill Baptist Church until moving to Coopers Gap Baptist Church.   She faithfully attended church whenever possible, including attending services in her 99th year.

Shirley enjoyed reading her bible and attending church; watching her birds; traveling and camping from Myrtle Beach to Israel to add to her collection of salt and pepper shakers; doing puzzles and playing games; crocheting hand towels and washcloths; and watching basketball and baseball, especially her beloved Carolina Tarheels, the Atlanta Braves and Freddy Freeman whatever team he was on. She also spent the last 9 months loving on her great-great grandbabies.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, father, brothers (Arthur, Donald, and Earl) husband, and beloved son, Joe.  

She is survived by cherished daughter, Sue Hooper (Geoff); granddaughters Michelle McCraw (Jeff) and Nikki Burke (Geoff); great grandchildren – Brooke Conner (Caleb), Kristin Ruth (Blair), Evi Burke, Alexis McCraw, Emi Burke, Zalen McCraw, Zach McCraw and Evan McCraw; great -great grandchildren—Ophelia Pearl Ruth (Kristin) and Romey Conner (Brooke). Her Nephew; Sterling Johnson (Diane) and Lisa (David); and sister-in-law; Georgie Marie Walker. Dorothy Reid (Albert) was her caregiver, beautician and friend for the last 10 years.  

The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Coopers Gap Baptist Church.

Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday at the church with Reverend Donald Hollifield and Reverend Craig Scruggs officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, Agape or the Meals on Wheels program in Polk County. 

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel 

Tryon