Shirley Murray Howard

Shirley Murray Howard, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, with her husband by her side. 

She was born in Hiltons, Virginia, to Pearlie and Walter Murray, on December 17, 1935. Shirley grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, with four siblings. She attended Emory and Henry College, where she studied education and psychology, and met her husband of 66 years, Bernard Howard "Bernie." She went on to substitute teach in Petersburg Public Schools, and later worked for Richard Bland College, as Assistant to the Registrar, for 21 years. She was an avid bridge player, an active member of St. Mark's Methodist Church, and was a member of the Raleigh Parish Garden Club. She was a Mimi to four grandchildren, and took great joy in spending time with her family. 

She is preceded in death by her mother, Pearlie Ethel Murray; and her father, Walter Decatuer Murray; her sister, Virginia Murray Allison; and her brother, Kyle Pope Murray. 

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bernard H. Howard "Bernie"; her sister, Phyllis Murray Moore (Jimmy); her daughters, Cynthia Howard Cherry (Jennings) and Melinda Howard Haddon (John); her grandchildren, Lauren Cherry, Allison Davis (Chris), Austin Haddon, and Jake Haddon (Kayla); and nieces, Ann, Debbie, and Terry; and nephews, Michael (deceased) and Mark. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1PM, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, in Petersburg, VA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's United Methodist Church, in Petersburg, VA, or the National Kidney Foundation.