Shirley Ann Willard, age 73, went to her Heavenly home on November 10th, 2024, from SOVAH Hospital. She was born June 8th, 1951, in the Floyd County section of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, to James Calvin Willard Sr. and Ruby T. Willard. Although she suffered a brain injury at birth, she was able to lead a fairly normal life with assistance from her relatives, who loved doing it.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Calvin “J.C.” Willard, Jr., who died January 8th, 2022, from Covid.
Surviving is a sister, Barbara Wilson of Martinsville, Virginia, a brother, Ricky Dale Willard (Sandra) of Meadows of Dan, Virginia., aunts Irene Reed of Spencer, Virginia, Mildred Goode of Collinsville, Virginia, sister-in-law Betty Turman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Iola Hubbard of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, Lou Massey of Bassett, Virginia, and a special cousin, Donna Reed Rakes of Fork Mountain, who many times took her out to eat and shopping, and several nieces and nephews.
Shirley lived her first 63 years in Meadows of Dan and the last 10 years in Martinsville; nearly 9 of those years at Martins Landing Apartments, and the last 21 months were with her sister Barbara after her cancer diagnosis. Shirley loved Easter, her birthday and especially Christmas – dreaming of Santa Claus in July every night! Her happiest recent time was spent with her brother Ricky and his wife Sandra from December 16th, 2023, until February 21st, 2024.
Shirley was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. She loved working jigsaw puzzles, coloring in her books, playing with her many dolls, playing Rook, watching Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, The Price is Right, and shopping.
A very special thanks to SOVAH ER, 4th floor nursing staff, Dr. Akolbire, and Mountain Valley Hospice crew for their excellent care of Shirley.
The funeral will be held at Reed Island Springs Baptist Church, 76 Reed Island Springs Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia, 24120 on November 16th, 2024, at 12pm Noon, with Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Burial will be in the church cemetery beside the church with Reverend Howard Nester officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to your favorite charity, in her memory. Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home is assisting the Willard family.
