, 91, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at her home. She was born April 28, 1934, in Iredell County to the late Marvin Partee Shuemake and Jessie Sweet Shuemake. She was married to her high school sweetheart, H. L. “Bob” Childers, for over 61 years before his passing.

Shirley has been a member of Southside Baptist Church for 87 years. She joined the church when she was four years old and was baptized when she was 10 years old. Shirley was involved in the WMU, a leader of the Baptist Young Women, a Sunday school teacher for a number of years, a member of the adult choir, and served on many church committees. Shirley loved her church family.

She was also the Girl Scout cookie chairman for all the Mooresville area scout troops. She loved to travel, especially to North Myrtle Beach in the summer with her family. Her very favorite food was spaghetti with salad, and she loved ice cream. She loved to dine out anytime she got an opportunity. Shirley retired from Davidson College, where she worked in the library.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, H. L. “Bob” Childers, and a grandson, Christopher Bell.

Shirley is survived by her children, Vickie C. Stutts (Tommy), David Childers (Kim), and Linda Childers; grandchildren, Dayna Rietman (Jeremy), Ashley Bell, Justin Clark (Kaila), and Derrick Clark (Nikki); and great-grandchildren, Kathryn, Lucas, Charlotte, Amelia, and Callie.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, July 7, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of Southside Baptist Church. Services will be at 2 p.m., also at the church, With Rev. David Klinedinst, Rev. Dr. Hugh Cooper, and Rev. Hal Greene officiating. Burial will follow the service in Glenwood Memorial Park.

Memorials may be sent to Southside Baptist Church, 525 S. Broad Street, Mooresville, NC 28115 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

The family would like to extend their love and appreciation to Shirley’s caretakers, Dove with Love Home Health, and Donna, Patricia C, Lakeria, and Keke. Their loving care for Shirley was so much appreciated.

 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.