Shirley Ann (Simpson) Plummer

Shirley Ann Simpson Plummer, 83, of Midland, NC went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 16, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born March 11, 1940 in Cabarrus County, NC to the late Eugene Grady Simpson and the late Clara Elizabeth Hartsell Simpson.  She was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Donald Simpson.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, George Plummer of the home; son, Darrill Plummer and wife Jamie; daughter, Beverly Watts and husband Ray; son, Kenneth Plummer; daughter, Chrissy Smith; grandchildren, Jon, Melissa, Matthew, Liz, Jessica, Courtney, Nicholas, Caleb, Joey and Jessica; fifteen great grandchildren; sister, Frances Gray; brother, Warren Simpson; sister, Joyce Starnes; sister, Lynn Fink; brother, Dwight Simpson; as well as many loving friends and neighbors.   

George and Shirley met when she was 14 and he was 16. Shirley and her friends were walking across the Reedy Creek bridge where George and his friends were swimming. The girls threw rocks at the boys to get their attention. Shirley invited George to church at Pine Grove because she was not allowed to date yet. They were married 2 years later in York SC by E. Gettys Nunn (Justice of the Peace) on July 3rd 1956. It cost George $10 for the license, leaving them  $11 to last until next pay day. George worked at Cannon Mills and they lived with his mama and daddy for the next 10 months.

George later started Midland Painting Company in 1961 and built their one and only home in Midland. Shirley did the company book-keeping and together they raised 4 children. They were married for 67 years. George loved to work the garden, they canned and froze their vegetables, always sharing with neighbors and family. George enjoyed raising chickens and playing the guitar with friends. Shirley enjoyed family history (genealogy) before it was all the rage.  Shirley’s research is published in the Stanly and Cabarrus County Historical Volumes. She did her research going to court houses, cemeteries, and using county vital statistics. She had little confidence on what she called the “on-line” stuff. Shirley and George loved their dogs and cats as well as their grand dogs and cats, especially Spurgeon and Missy. Shirley was a wonderful cook and they enjoyed smoking BBQ, making Brunswick Stew and red slaw with family and friends in the fall. Shirley loved chocolate and shopping—especially with her sisters. Those sisters loved a good bargain! George and Shirley loved spending time with family, friends and especially their children, grand-children, and great grand-children.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 100 Pine Grove Church Rd., Concord, NC 28025.  A celebration of Shirley's life will follow at 12:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Daniel Triplett. 

Please have any flowers delivered to the Hartsell Funeral Home in Midland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Plummer family. 

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