Shirley H. Worrell

Shirley Anne Hardy Worrell, 89, a beloved member of the Staunton educational community, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. 

Born on February 16, 1935, in Covington, to the late Lester Odell and Mary Dorothy Simpson Hardy, she dedicated her life to education, family, and faith.

A graduate of Covington High School, Shirley furthered her education at Longwood College in Farmville, obtaining a bachelor’s in education with a focus on art and history.

Shirley enjoyed a distinguished career as an art teacher, inspiring and nurturing young minds for over thirty years within the Staunton City School System – primarily Robert E. Lee High School. She retired in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and passion for the arts. 

Her dedication extended beyond the classroom; Shirley was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton. Throughout the years, she actively served her church community as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, and leader for both junior and senior high youth groups. 

Shirley was also a devoted member of the Staunton Education Association and held lifetime membership status with both the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association.

A longtime resident of Sunnyside Retirement Community, she enjoyed her friends and the fellowship and activities made in this tight-knit community. She also enjoyed traveling and cooking – but above all else she loved and treasured her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Tamara Leigh McCray; her sisters-in-law, Jean and Norma Hardy; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first and second husbands respectively, Wilton Clyde McCray and Bobby Gene Worrell; her step-daughter, Bobbie Jean Worrell Sprouse; her brothers, John Milton, David Wayne, and Richard Carlton Hardy; her sister, Nancy Lynn Hardy Wisekal; and a sister-in-law, Velma Hardy.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church with the Reverend John Peterson officiating.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Chris Earhart, Fred Mader, Julian Moffett, David Lowman, Dave Melvin, Tom Compton, Mark Hardy, and Steve Dingledine.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Sunnyside Retirement Community Fellowship Fund (600 University Blvd, Suite L, Harrisonburg, VA 22801) or to Covenant Presbyterian Church (PO Box 2948, Staunton, VA 24402).

The family would like to especially thank the staff of Sunnyside Retirement Community for their kindness and support over the years, as well as the doctors and nurses of First Choice Home Health and Hospice in Harrisonburg for their care and compassion during this time.

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home.