Shirley Anne Powell departed from this earthly home and entered her heavenly home on Sunday, Aug.7, 2022. Shirley was born July 2, 1932 in Charlotte, NC, the beloved daughter of Elbert Wrey Powell and Eugenia DuPree Powell. Her mother was widowed when Shirley was 1 ½ years old and she moved back to Charleston, SC to live with family and dedicated herself to raising Shirley.
When Shirley graduated from Coker College in Hartsville, SC, she began teaching fourth grade at St Andrews Elementary School in Charleston, working as a playground director in the afternoons. She was from the start a great teacher and inspired fourth graders in the classroom as well as kids in grade school through high school on the playground. By working two jobs she was finally able to provide her mother with a home of her own and then Shirley began her career in Rutherford County, NC, teaching fourth grade until her retirement. Her unique teaching style and unwavering love for her students made a lasting impression on the children she taught. Shirley served on the Teachers Advisory Council for the McNair Foundation from 1988 to 1993. In 2015 she was inducted into the Rutherford County Schools Hall of Fame, an honor which caught her totally by surprise but which she always cherished. Retirement led Shirley into new avenues of service as an active member on the boards of the Red Cross, Hands of Hope for Life, and Rutherford County Humane Society. She also did her civic duty as a poll worker in Lake Lure on election days. Shirley Powell was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At Chimney Rock Baptist Church Shirley gave herself wholeheartedly to teaching young people in Sunday School, making Vacation Bible School a rousing success, singing in the choir, and leading in special music at the Lake Lure Christian Women’s luncheons.
Shirley will be remembered for her contagious enthusiasm and love for life, her witty disposition which continued to shine out until her last day, and her trusting commitment to her faithful Heavenly Father. Hospice of the Carolinas made it possible for Shirley to live out her life at home in Lake Lure. They even allowed a myriad of animals to be part of the scene! Shirley is survived by her first cousin Ronnie Inabinett (Marsha), and their two children Ron Inabinett (Christine) and Connie Widener (Jimmy) and their wonderful grandchildren and by her long-time friend Helen Jones. Memorial services will be held at Chimney Rock Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 in the fellowship hall with the church service following at noon. Rev. Alex Heafner and Rev. Gene Daggerhart will be officiating.