Vergie Rae Cruise Shively easily entered the gates of heaven on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at the Select  Specialty Hospital at Moses Cone. Vergie was born on December 30, 1929 in Spray, North Carolina as the youngest daughter of Payton Oakley “Pete” and Alpha Omega Williams Cruise. 

Vergie is survived by her sister Lucy Cruise Bradford, her brother Kenneth Cruise (Medra), sister-in-law Betty Shively, all of Eden and brother-in-law Olin Shively of Burlington.  In addition, “Granny G” is survived by her grandchildren Kim Stevens (JT), Michael Perdue (Nancy), Donna Wall, and Meghan Rogers (Jordan). Vergie made a tremendous impact on the lives of her great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and took pride in calling herself a “Great-great aunt” and will be tremendously missed.  

A very strong woman of faith, Vergie was an active member of the First Church of Brethren serving as a Deacon, Ladies Sunday School Class Teacher, Choir Leader, and President of the Home and Family Life Committee. Vergie was instrumental in many special projects, which continues to enhance her church. 

Vergie retired as the Head Teller at the Washington Street Branch of the Southern National Bank where she developed many strong friendships. 

Along with her parents, Vergie was welcomed into heaven by her husband James Robert “Bob” Shively, and her children Linda Shively Perdue and James Ronald “Ronnie” Shively. Her sisters Evelyn Vernon, Dorothy Cruise, and Ruby Wray and her brothers Melvin and Payton Cruise also preceded her in death. 

The family would like to thank the staff of the Brian Center and the Select Specialty Hospital for the love and care provided to her over the past year and weeks. 

A Funeral service to Celebrate the Christian Life of Vergie  will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the First Church of the Brethren with burial to follow in Overlook Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Monday August 21, 2017 at the First Church of the Brethren and at other times at 329 Pine Road. 

Memorials can be made to the First Church of the Brethren Home and Family Life Committee, 730 Church Street, Eden, NC 27288 or the St. Jude’s Children Hospital in her memory. 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com