Shirley Daniel Jones

Mrs. Shirley Daniel Jones, age 79 of Laurinburg completed her journey home in the late evening of March 26, 2026.

She was the daughter of the late Robert Broom Daniel and Ethel Brooks Daniel born November 14, 1946 in Roxboro, North Carolina.  She was the loving wife of 34 years to the late Ernest Jones who passed in 2004.  She was a graduate of East Carolina University and loved her career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the NC Department of Health and Human Services retiring after 30 years of dedicated service.  Following retirement, she served as a Substitute Teacher with Scotland County School System.  She also served as a longtime faithful member of the Laurel Hill Baptist Church.

Shirley was unapologetically herself, witty, loving, and always speaking her mind. A lifelong poet and an active member of the North Carolina Poetry Society, she was a recognized voice within the Writers' Guild group in Fayetteville, NC, where she was honored with a prestigious literary award. Her remarkable poetry was also featured in Summer Carpenter's poetry booklet, adding to her extensive collection of published works.  As the author of "A Charge to Keep," a history of Caledonia United Methodist Church, Shirley received special recognition in the History Book Awards from the North Carolina Society of Historians. This accolade cemented her reputation as a meticulous researcher and captivating storyteller. In addition, she published her most prestigious work, a poetry book titled "Journey Home," in 2011.

When she wasn’t writing, Shirley enjoyed photography, reading, crafts, and solving crossword puzzles. One of her favorite pastimes was being a member of the St. Andrews Book Club with her friends. Shirley was deeply passionate about God and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Spending time with her family and being "Nana" to her four grandchildren was among her greatest joys. Everyone who knew Shirley was aware of her special love for cats. There was no holiday she did not celebrate, always having decorations ready and gifts or cards prepared, whether hand-delivered or mailed. She didn’t just decorate for the holidays; she built a world of magic for all who had the opportunity to experience it.

Along with her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her sister, Betty Brooks Daniel.

Mrs. Shirley is survived by her adored sons, Darryl Daniel Jones of Laurinburg, Garrett Ralston Jones and wife Mary Allison Jones of Sanford; grandchildren Garrett Ralston Jones II, Hayden Thomas Jones, Tristan Brooks Jones, Grayson Daniel Jones, and her loving extended family and devoted friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 the Laurel Hill Baptist Church followed by burial in the Caledonia Methodist Church Cemetery.   Visitation will be held prior to the service on Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Laurel Hill Baptist Church.

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