Shirley Hancock

Mrs. Shirley Jean Priest Hancock, 81, of Concord, left us on Sunday, July 23, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at St. Andrews Living Center. Her life was marked by dedication, love, and a profound appreciation for family and friends.

Shirley was born on October 5, 1941, in Lumberton, NC to the late Ava Gray Sessoms Priest and Eugene Addison Priest. She grew up on the family farm that spanned several generations working in the tobacco fields and garden for much of her life.

Shirley met Wayne, a paratrooper who was stationed in Fort Bragg, at Page's Lake Skating Rink. After a short courtship, they were married and moved to Louisiana to start a family.

They returned to North Carolina to raise their family in Dublin. Shirley could be found running the front office at Houston's Peanuts cheerfully greeting travelers and neighbors. She worked at Belks in Lumberton and later at Carolina Mall in Concord where she was able to hone her fashion skills with many dedicated clients who relied on her "sassy" style and sense of fashion.

What started as a hobby at Dublin Motor Speedway quickly became a lifelong passion. Shirley and her late husband, Wayne, enjoyed attending races together, where they were a dynamic and sought after team who were regularly invited as a car counter at various tracks.

In retirement, Shirley and Wayne loved to travel spending time in the NC mountains, visiting family in Louisiana, and seeing the U.S. After the passing of her husband, Shirley continued her travels with her dear friend, Brenda.
Wayne and Shirley were regulars and could be found at Giles Moss Auctions where they had "dedicated seats." Shirley's love of antiques and treasures were only surpassed by her love of a good deal.

Shirley and Wayne were dedicated members of First Baptist Church in Concord where they were very involved in their Sunday School program. After Wayne's passing, she continued her faith journey with family and friends at First Presbyterian and Central United Methodist Church in Concord.

Shirley is survived by her loving children, David Wayne Hancock of Georgetown, SC, Debbie Hancock McNeill of Charlotte, and Deneen Hancock White and her husband, Merritt, of Concord. She is also survived by her brother, Eugene "Addison" Priest, Jr., and his wife, Vivian, of Tar Heel. Shirley's adoration extended to her grandchildren, David Kyle Hancock, Trevor "Treasure" Hancock, Sarah G. McNeill and her husband, Daniel Armstrong, Robert Hampton "Hamp" McNeill, James M. White, IV, Katherine Olivia White, Everette Garrison White, and "The Bubbas," Rhett Patrick White and Gavin Jacob White.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Bob, Laura, and the compassionate staff at St. Andrews Living Center and for their unwavering love and care bestowed upon Shirley throughout the years and Gentiva Hospice for their recent care.

Mrs. Shirley Jean Priest Hancock will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Shirley was a math whiz who took great pleasure in adding her groceries to the penny before the cashier gave her a total. She was considered the “strong one” by all of her friends and family. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. We always knew where we stood on the receiving end of the “Shirley look!” May her soul find eternal peace.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Wilkinson Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Wes Judy officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 2:30-4:00 pm, providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together and find solace in each other's embrace.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Grimes Tatum Cemetery, 5356 Owen Hill Road, Tar Heel, NC 28392, officiated by Rev. Mack Roberts of Bethel Baptist Church. The family will greet friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church-Backpack Buddies, 30 Union Street N, Concord, NC 28025.