Shirley Beal

Shirley Sue Bone Beal, age 92, passed away Tuesday, March 22.  She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend who had a strong faith and commitment to family and community.

She was the eldest daughter of the late Judge Walter J. Bone and Claudilene Sykes Bone and grew up in Nashville, NC.   She graduated from Meredith College where she majored in Religion and was president of her senior class.

Shirley married her childhood sweetheart, William Dorsey “Bill” Beal, in 1952, and they moved to Albemarle, NC in 1954.  They were both active at First Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, WMU President, and Pastor Search Committee member.

She was also involved in civic service, starting as an observer at City Council, which led to being the first woman appointed to the Albemarle Planning Board and later, the Albemarle Housing Authority where she was elected chairperson. In addition, she served on the board of Stanly County Habitat for Humanity for 11 years.

She enjoyed playing bridge and was a lifetime member of Floralian Garden Club, which provided friendship and fellowship as well as interesting adventures beyond gardening.  A love of learning kept her interested in nature, current events, and history as well as whatever current trend the younger family members were exploring.

She enjoyed writing and journaling saying it was important to focus her thoughts by expressing herself on paper.  Two of her articles were published: “My Son, the Clown” in The State magazine and “Nurses Garden”, a feature in The Nashville Graphic newspaper.

Shirley was a wonderful listener, a skill likely developed growing up in a home with a mother and sisters who were never at a loss for words. She and her daddy would listen and wonder, as her daddy put it, “how they could talk so much without thinking first”!  As a result, Shirley became a great source of comfort and wisdom to those who needed a caring confidante.

Shirley and Bill raised a family in the best neighborhood anyone could ask for on Melchor Road in Albemarle. Their children always knew someone’s Mama or Daddy was watching out for them.
Shirley cherished her family and always loved spending time with them especially on holidays and annual beach trips.

During her last years, Shirley found the strength to handle the challenges of dementia and declining health with the support of faith, family, and fellowship.

Her family includes her husband William Dorsey Beal (deceased); sisters Barbara Bone Biggs (deceased) and Peggy Bone Tousignant; daughters Sue Ellen Beal Parrish (Charles deceased), Amy Beal Burns (Ed); son Mitchell Bone Beal (Wanda deceased); grandsons Tyler Parrish (Katie), Donald Burns, James Burns (Christie), Alex Beal (Lisa), Brandon Wilson (Calli), and Philip Royse; great grandsons Owen Burns, Parker Burns, and Forrest Beal.  Shirley also leaves many dear friends and extended family members.

A 1:00 pm Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 2 at First Baptist Church, 202 N. 2nd Street, Albemarle NC.   Visitation will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

A private family service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery in Nashville, NC on a later date.

Memorial Gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church of Albemarle; Meredith College, Raleigh NC; or to a memorial of one’s choice.

The family thanks neighbors, friends, caregivers, and kin for their kindness, support and love.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Beal family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com