Shirley Wilder McLemore 81 of Thomasville, NC departed this earth on the last day of summer September 21, 2024, following a short battle with advanced lung cancer.  Shirley will be missed by her family, friends, church, and neighbors.  She approached life with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and determination and she departed this world surrounded by peace and love spending her final weeks with family continually by her side and friends on her mind.

Shirley was born October 11, 1942, to Daniel Thomas Wilder and Laura Shirley Wilder in Thomasville, NC where she grew up and attended Thomasville City Schools.  After moving to Wilmington NC in 1961, she graduated from New Hanover High School and Cosmetology School.  She discovered the joy of dancing during many escapes to Carolina Beach. It was there the love of her life, the late John Gilbert McLemore danced into her life and they embarked on a 57-year journey together.  Their years took them to many cities and towns throughout the eastern United States and allowed them to raise a family with a sense of curiosity and adventure.  In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Ann Wilder Cranford, Carol Wilder Batson, and Jim Wilder. 

She is survived by daughters, Faith McLemore Frazier (husband Ken) and Hope McLemore Surratt (husband Chris); three granddaughters, Kristin Frazier (Logan), Cassie Frazier, and Morgan Gobble (Vince). One great-grandchild, Olivia Lo Gobble, a grand dog Bali, and two great-grand dogs June and Fig.  She is also survived by her Sister-in-law Shirley Wilder Miller, many loving nieces and nephews, and an abundance of loyal friends. 

Shirley cherished family: she loved vacations, dinners, and quiet time with family and friends.  She especially enjoyed nature’s beauty, a sunrise over the ocean, a sunset over the sound, deer in the backyard, or a beloved pet. She appreciated music of the 50s and 60s especially beach music, which she listened to daily.  Even though she had lost her life-long dance partner she recently resumed shagging and line dancing with her friends at the Larry Furr’s Southern Theater & Event Center.  Other hobbies included playing cards, reading, cooking, sewing, puzzles and sudoku.

Over the years Shirley had many occupations.  From hairdresser and seamstress to selling life insurance and furniture.  She spent the last 20 years working furniture market with her pals at Hallmart Collectibles.  However, the job she was most dedicated to was that of a nurturer.  Not only to her children and husband but to many.  Shirley needed to care for and look after others.  Whether you entered her home or just her presence, she was likely to offer you something.  A drink, a bite of food, a comfortable place to sit, a lively conversation, or a piece of wisdom.  Always, she was on the lookout for ways to meet the needs of others.

Shirley had dreams and so much she still wanted to do. While her life on earth ended sooner than anyone expected, her inspiration to live life fully and the comfort of her enduring love will forever be with us.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM at the J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Thomasville with Rev. Sidney Lanier officiating.  The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Johnsontown United Methodist Church or the Novant TMC Foundation (Wellness Center).  Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com.