Shirley Neese Smith

Shirley Ann Neese Smith, 74, after several years of failing health, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Hearts on Fire Ministries in Gibsonville.  The burial will follow at Mt. Hope United Church of Christ Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11-11:45 am prior to the service at church.

Shirley was born November 30, 1951 in Guilford County to the late Harold Dean Neese and Evelyn Linville Neese.  She graduated from Southeast Guilford High School in 1969 and retired after 40 years from Wrangler (VF Corporation). Shirley was a member of Sylvian Ruritans.  She was a member of Hearts on Fire Ministries where she served as an elder and co-chair of Christian of Education.  Shirley loved God and her church, always wanting everyone to know Him. 

Over the last few years, Shirley could not do as she would have liked, but with the love and support of her husband and her godson, Zayden, she was able to be home where she wanted to be. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Louise Smith Rayle; father-in-law, Albert Smith; brother-in-law, Jerry Davenport; and nephews, Kyle Fulk and Brian Davenport.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William “Bill” Smith and even though she never had children of her own, she was a mother to many who she loved unconditionally; sisters, Sandra McCray (Corky), and Kathy Neese; niece, Haley McCray (Colton); and nephew, Hunter McCray (Michelle) sisters-in-law, Pat Davenport, Carolyn Rice (Jerry), Diane Harmon (Gary); brothers-in-law, Michael Smith (Eileen), and Randy Smith; and many other nieces, nephews, and close family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hearts on Fire Ministries, 302 Church Street, Gibsonville NC 27249.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all those who have helped, supported and loved Shirley over the last couple of years. 

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