Shirley Ann Taylor, 73, of Morganton, NC, took her heavenly flight on Thursday, January 2, 2025 peacefully in her sleep.
Born in Burke County, NC on December 18, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Odell Icard and Azalee Annie Taylor Icard. Shirley was a member of Mt. Home Baptist Church and was known for her love of God, family, friends, life, and laughter. Her infectious smile would light up a room, and if you knew her you were blessed beyond measure. Shirley retired from Leviton – Southern Devices and enjoyed travel, Bingo, and thrift-store antiques. She also enjoyed collecting Pepsi-Cola salt and pepper shakers.
Those left to cherish her memory include her love of 34 years, Nathan Chapman; daughter, Tonya Wilson (Randy); grandchildren, Taressa Davis (Austin) and Caroline Clabaugh (Paxton, a.k.a. Billy); brother, Dean Icard (Vickie); sisters, Delores “Sissy” Cook (Tony) (her real life baby doll born on her 7th birthday) and Peggy Richardson (Bruce); sister-in-law, Vickie Taylor; nieces, Nicole Van Harken and Lindsay Moretz (Dustin); many cherished friends, some were very special, Brenda Osteen, Betty Bridges, Linda Prevette, Brenda Cornett, Jackie Greer, and Jenean Wilson.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a brother, Clayton Taylor.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Mt. Home Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Ed Yount, Rev. Rocky Hartman, and Rev. Ethan Cormer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Home Baptist Church (mounthomebaptist.org)(opens in new tab) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)(opens in new tab).
“God called your name so softly that only you could hear, and no one heard the footsteps of angels drawing near. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home.”
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Hey you were my mom’s best friend all the way through school thanks for being her friend she is definitely going to miss you. We will miss you we love you. We were heart broken when we heard u were gone but you are in a better place and please give my dad a hug from me and tell him I miss him so much. I love you. I will see you again one day. Love Wendy (Rose’s daughter)
Shirley Taylor a lady who always had a smile and an encouraging word. You will be greatly missed my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this difficult time. May God Bless. I worked with her at Leviton, she was a special person and a dear friend.
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I worked at Leviton Southern Devices with Shirley for many years. Praying for her daughter Tonya and grandchildren. Shirley could always make you laugh. I know she will be missed, she’s at peace now in her Heavenly home. Linda Burnette
Delores and family so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a sweet and loving sole. She will be missed by many. Loved seeing her smiles. Bless you and family. Praying for strength. Cheryl Price.
Shirley was a classmate of mine. She was always positive and her smile was contagious!!! I know she will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her!!! Those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior will see her again one day!!! I am a better person for knowing her!!! Praying for God’s peace and comfort!!
So sorry .. Shirley was a special always smiling friend .. went through High School Salem with her she graduated year ahead of us … but always remember her kindness … always ask about school mates .. the class of 70 —. 71 was always close Prayers for hard days ahead .. May Gods Loving Arms wrap you in comfort .. Diane Duckworth Rhodes… Steve Rhodes
Shirley will be greatly missed. We became such good friends working in the planning department at Leviton. She become one of my best friends and I will miss her very much.