Shirley Jene Brown was born on August 9, 1945 to Eugene Norman Brown and Shirley Hardy. Mrs. Stokley passed away on May 31, 2020. She married George Fry and together they had 3 children Tony, Malinda and Debby. Her marriage to Joseph Stokley brought her to Winnsboro where she lived out the rest of her life. She had several passions in her life. Shirley had a degree in Geo Physics and Nursing. A degree in Geo Physics led to a passion for rocks. If you gave her a rock and asked where it came from she could talk until your eyes glazed over. A nursing degree led to a passion for people. She always looked out for those who were the most vulnerable either in the hospital or in a nursing home.Shirley had a passion for animals. She once made Joe carry a wounded duck from a recent hunting trip to the vet to get its wings fixed. $350 and two weeks later the duck was turned loose. She loved dogs. Her last dog- Hal was on her mind even after she was moved to a nursing home. Shirley had a passion for plants. Her yard was full of all different types of flowers and bushes. A jungle of plants would best describe her yard. Her children will tell you she had certain super powers. Her arm seemed to be elastic. Shirley could reach over the seat in the car and spank all three children while driving down the highway while smoking a cigarette. She loved NASCAR and her favorite driver was Tony Stewart in the #20 car. Shirley loved listening to Elvis Presley. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winnsboro. Although she retired from nursing she was always quick to diagnose someones illness and tell them how to fix it. Shirley will always be remembered for her harsh criticism of those who took advantage of the vulnerable in society. Her infectious smile, and her sense of adventure. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Eugene Brown and Shirley Hearn; husband Joe Stokley and sister Paulette Brown. She is survived by son Tony Fry and wife Dianna; daughter Malinda Jene Swanner and husband Randy; daughter Debra DeeAnn White and husband John; brother Norman Hearn and wife Paige; brother Paul Hearn and wife Michelle; 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 3rd from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Beaty Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow beginning at 2:00 p.m. Dr. David Rose officiating.