Shirley Laney Roberts, 69, of Morganton, NC, peacefully passed away to join Jesus on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Born in Catawba County, NC on December 5, 1955, she was the daughter of the late William Holder Laney and Mary Lou Moretz Laney.
Shirley was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Her faith in God was very special to her, and it helped guide her, especially in the last few years. Family was also very important to Shirley, both her biological and her church family. She enjoyed meeting and going out with women’s groups (Women’s Missionary Union, Baptist Young Women, and Women’s Discipleship Group), and she enjoyed crocheting, reading, and crafting.
A loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Arden Jolley (Philip) and Angie Gragg (Jimmy); grandchildren, Holden Jolley, Dylan Gragg (Corey), and Maggie Gragg; sisters, Billie Sue Laney, Linda Jean Martin, and Jerri Keller; nephew, Christian Keller and family; dear friend, Ruby Rudisill; her canine companion, Lucy; and numerous extended family.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a sister, Marlene Pennell.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. A celebration of Shirley’s life will follow at 3 p.m. in the church with Dr. Jack Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I am so heartbroken over this. Shirley was my baby sitter for over a year and a great one at that. She had such a kind heart and loved my boy very much and he loved her just the same. I am sending many prayers to her daughters and family that she loved and cared for so much! We will never forget you and I'm so glad you are not in pain anymore. We will see you again one day. 🙏💜
Sending Love and Prayers Arden and Angie! I have lots of good memories of your sweet momma, Shirley, from when she babysat me and Ricky and Darla Jane as very young kids. She was so much fun!
Shirley and I became close friends during this last year of her life. We shared so many visits and talked about so many different things. She was always willing to be open to our relationship becoming stronger and for that, I am so grateful. The bond we created can never be broken. She is a blessing to me and will remain in my heart … I was her Hospice friend and volunteer and I was so touched by our loving relationship which developed over these past months. I carry my memory of her as a treasure in my heart.
Condolences to her family & friends. Shirley was a sweet person & a good friend in high school. Prayers for her family that they know she's resting in God's loving arms.
I loved my friend, Shirley so much! In the past few years we had become very close. My husband,Dean and I would go and take her to church. Many times when my husband didn’t go to church on Sunday night, Shirley and I would go to McDonald’s to get our favorite ice cream cone. Also, Shirley, my mama, my husband and I went to Big Dave’s Fish Restaurant in Forest City on Friday night. Sorry Shirley I just didn’t think I could go today without you. I will go again because I will remember you when I go. Shirley was so loved by so many of our PHBC family! We will miss her because she was involved in so many activities at church. Love you Surely Shirley (that’s what Dean affectionately called her)! We will meet you in Heaven one of these days!
I cared for Shirley so much will miss her we had good times together with all of her friends
I will miss her so much! She will be truly missed by alot of people.
Shirley you will always be in my heart ♥ Blessings to her girls and family
My heart is saddened by Shirley's passing. She was a good friend and cousin all through my life. And even though we didn't see each other much in the passed years. I thought of her often. She will be missed.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. She loved all of you so much. I will miss catching up with her. She was a good lifelong friend to me.