Shirley A. West Upchurch

Sadly, Steve and Sonja lost their mom on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. After successfully beating six different cancers over the past 40 years, Shirley's final diagnosis ironically, result from her earlier battles against the disease. In true Shirley fashion, she fought until the end with her children, family, and friends by her side, maintaining her sense of humor, her competitive spirit, her dry wit and positivity. A caring, funny, intelligent, generous woman is gone from our lives but not from our hearts. Shirley was born in Cle Elum, Washington to Alvin and Theresa (Mocco) West. Five years later, the family welcomed her brother, Gary (Norma, Black Diamond and Cle Elum, WA); with whom Shirley remained incredibly close until the end of her life. Shirley was a graduate of Cle Elum High School where she excelled in music and academics as well as athletics. She participated in all sports from water ballet to basketball and softball and worked as a lifeguard during the brief but wonderful Washington summers. Shirley was a proud member of the Class of '55 and so enjoyed attending their periodic reunion weekends. Following high school, Shirley moved to Seattle to begin her adult life where by chance, she met a dark-haired, southern Navy man. Cedric and Shirley fell in love and married. Following a stint in California, where they welcomed their son, Steve (Beth, King, NC), they headed east. The young family settled in Winston-Salem, Cedric's hometown, where Shirley was embraced by the Upchurch family. Shirley found her first job in Winston-Salem at Carolina Public Warehouse. Soon, a daughter, Sonja (Tom Turpin, Weddington, NC) was born and Shirley went to work with R J Reynolds Tobacco Co. Shirley worked there for almost 27 years and ended her career as Division Office Manager for Leaf Processing and Storage. In her retirement, she kept in touch with her work friends and enjoyed their parties, celebrations, and their long lunches. Shirley and Cedric bought a condominium at Atlantic Beach, NC and there they found a new circle of friends. ""The Circle"" celebrated together and too many times, grieved together. These families shared some great meals and many, many sunny beach days. Shirley and Cedric were very fortunate to retire while still quite young and briefly, were able to fully embrace their new life. They traveled with friends, golfed, and enjoyed long stays at the beach. In 1991, Cedric died suddenly and Shirley was forced to create a new life. She found strength from her sister-in-law Loretta Upchurch (Tony, Walkertown, NC) and her golf friends at Pilot Knob Park. Shirley had three bright and talented grandchildren; Zane, Renni, and Mary with whom she had a tremendous amount of pride not only for the many things they accomplish but for the kind, gentle, accepting people they are. Shirley is survived by nieces and nephews, an aunt (Dolly Oiler) and many friends. The family will welcome visitors at Hayworth Miller in Rural Hall on Friday evening, March 31 from 7pm until 9pm. Following Shirley's wishes, a brief, graveside service will follow on Saturday, April 1 at Crestview Memorial Park in Stanleyville at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross - Blood Services, or the Hospice & Palliative Care Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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