Shirley Thompson Austin

Shirley Thompson Austin went to her Heavenly home on Friday, June 17, 2022. Shirley was born to the late Curtis Lee Thompson and Sarah Marie (Dodson) Thompson on March 20,1950. 

Shirley spent her life helping people. She was more than generous to every member of her entire family. And she spent over 40 years helping patients heal through her kindness, dedication and expertise in the nursing field. After receiving her LPN certificate in 1978, she continued her education by adding her associate's degree to become a registered nurse in 1982 and an Electroconvulsive Therapy Fellowship in 1989. Shirley had an accomplished and varied career with positions at UNC, Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Central Prison, Wake Medical Center, Duke University, John Umstead Hospital and her favorite place, Carolina House.

Shirley enjoyed many activities with friends and family including gardening, shopping, eating out, fishing, singing and playing Scrabble. One of Shirley's most favorite things to do was to spend time relaxing with her dogs, most recently Layla, and previously with Sissy, Scooty and Clancey. 

Shirley is survived by her aunts Della Hunter and Carolyn Hicks, many cousins who she counted as friends, her sister Patricia Perez, nephews Thom Smothers (Lisa), Rob and Ray Smothers and niece Susie Ball. Shirley was a "Great Aunt" to Sharon, Shiann, Aliah, Garet, Megan, Sadie, Karma, Kourtney and Andrew.

A memorial service celebrating Shirley's life will be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mebane, NC at 1 o'clock on Thursday, June 23, 2022, with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall.

If you would like to honor Shirley in some way you could plant a flower, go fishing or sing a happy song to your loved one.

McClure Funeral Service in Graham is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Thompson Austin, please visit our floral store.