Obituary for Shirley Anne Powell
Shirley Anne Powell departed from this earthly home and entered her heavenly home
on Sunday, Aug.7, 2022. Shirley was born July 2, 1932 in Charlotte, NC, the beloved
daughter of Elbert Wrey Powell and Eugenia DuPree Powell. Her mother was widowed
when Shirley was 1 ½ years old and she moved back to Charleston, SC to live with
family and dedicated herself to raising Shirley. When Shirley graduated from Coker
College in Hartsville, SC, she began teaching fourth grade at St Andrews Elementary
School in Charleston, working as a playground director in the afternoons. She was from
the start a great teacher and inspired fourth graders in the classroom as well as kids in
grade school through high school on the playground. By working two jobs she was
finally able to provide her mother with a home of her own and then Shirley began her
career in Rutherford County, NC, teaching fourth grade until her retirement. Her unique
teaching style and unwavering love for her students made a lasting impression on the
children she taught.
Shirley served on the Teachers Advisory Council for the McNair Foundation from 1988
to 1993. In 2015 she was inducted into the Rutherford County Schools Hall of Fame, an
honor which caught her totally by surprise but which she always cherished.
Retirement led Shirley into new avenues of service as an active member on the boards
of the Red Cross, Hands of Hope for Life, and Rutherford County Humane Society. She
also did her civic duty as a poll worker in Lake Lure on election days.
Shirley Powell was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At Chimney Rock Baptist
Church Shirley gave herself wholeheartedly to teaching young people in Sunday
School, making Vacation Bible School a rousing success, singing in the choir, and
leading in special music at the Lake Lure Christian Women’s luncheons.
Shirley will be remembered for her contagious enthusiasm and love for life, her witty
disposition which continued to shine out until her last day, and her trusting commitment
to her faithful Heavenly Father.
Hospice of the Carolinas made it possible for Shirley to live out her life at home in Lake
Lure. They even allowed a myriad of animals to be part of the scene!
Shirley is survived by her first cousin Ronnie Inabinett (Marsha), and their two children
Ron Inabinett (Christine) and Connie Widener (Jimmy) and their wonderful
grandchildren and by her long-time friend Helen Jones.
Memorial services will be held at Chimney Rock Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 in the fellowship hall with the church service following at noon. Rev. Alex Heafner and Rev. Gene Daggerhart will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Chimney Rock Baptist Church, 270 Boys Camp Road, Lake Lure, NC or Rutherford County Humane Society, PO Box 998 Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
on Sunday, Aug.7, 2022. Shirley was born July 2, 1932 in Charlotte, NC, the beloved
daughter of Elbert Wrey Powell and Eugenia DuPree Powell. Her mother was widowed
when Shirley was 1 ½ years old and she moved back to Charleston, SC to live with
family and dedicated herself to raising Shirley. When Shirley graduated from Coker
College in Hartsville, SC, she began teaching fourth grade at St Andrews Elementary
School in Charleston, working as a playground director in the afternoons. She was from
the start a great teacher and inspired fourth graders in the classroom as well as kids in
grade school through high school on the playground. By working two jobs she was
finally able to provide her mother with a home of her own and then Shirley began her
career in Rutherford County, NC, teaching fourth grade until her retirement. Her unique
teaching style and unwavering love for her students made a lasting impression on the
children she taught.
Shirley served on the Teachers Advisory Council for the McNair Foundation from 1988
to 1993. In 2015 she was inducted into the Rutherford County Schools Hall of Fame, an
honor which caught her totally by surprise but which she always cherished.
Retirement led Shirley into new avenues of service as an active member on the boards
of the Red Cross, Hands of Hope for Life, and Rutherford County Humane Society. She
also did her civic duty as a poll worker in Lake Lure on election days.
Shirley Powell was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At Chimney Rock Baptist
Church Shirley gave herself wholeheartedly to teaching young people in Sunday
School, making Vacation Bible School a rousing success, singing in the choir, and
leading in special music at the Lake Lure Christian Women’s luncheons.
Shirley will be remembered for her contagious enthusiasm and love for life, her witty
disposition which continued to shine out until her last day, and her trusting commitment
to her faithful Heavenly Father.
Hospice of the Carolinas made it possible for Shirley to live out her life at home in Lake
Lure. They even allowed a myriad of animals to be part of the scene!
Shirley is survived by her first cousin Ronnie Inabinett (Marsha), and their two children
Ron Inabinett (Christine) and Connie Widener (Jimmy) and their wonderful
grandchildren and by her long-time friend Helen Jones.
Memorial services will be held at Chimney Rock Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 in the fellowship hall with the church service following at noon. Rev. Alex Heafner and Rev. Gene Daggerhart will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Chimney Rock Baptist Church, 270 Boys Camp Road, Lake Lure, NC or Rutherford County Humane Society, PO Box 998 Rutherfordton, NC 28139.