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Shirley Riggan St. Lawrence Hooker August 30, 1926 - February 21, 2015

Born: Monday Aug 30, 1926

Died: Saturday Feb 21, 2015

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Shirley M. Hooker of Mulberry Road, Martinsville, VA passed away on February 21st, 2015 at Hospice Home of Rockingham County, NC.

A funeral service will be held 2 pm Thursday at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Martinsville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 till 2 pm. Shirley was born in Hopewell, VA on August 30, 1926. She moved to Martinsville with her family when her father was transferred to the ?¢‚Ǩ?ìthen?¢‚Ǩ¬ù new DuPont plant.

Shirley graduated from Martinsville High School and received her RN degree from Lewis-Gale Nursing School in Roanoke, VA. Upon graduation, Shirley joined the US Navy, as a nurse, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. After 4 years, Shirley married her first husband, Robert F. St. Lawrence, a Navy pilot, and left the service to start her family. Upon the death of her husband Shirley moved with her children back to Martinsville to be with her parents and brothers. She continued her nursing career at Martinsville Memorial Hospital, the Red Cross and as a private duty nurse. Shirley married her second husband Samuel A. Hooker, Jr., whom she always said, ?¢‚Ǩ?ìwas brave enough to take on a widow with four teenage children.?¢‚Ǩ¬ù Shirley joined Martinsville Travel and worked for many years with a group of people that she admired and adored. She had the opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of traveling the world and she did just that! She retired only to stay home to care for her husband, Sam, when he was no longer well.

After Sam?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s death, Shirley split her time between Martinsville, VA and Kitty Hawk, NC where she had her ?¢‚Ǩ?ìBeach House on the Moon?¢‚Ǩ¬ù and several very dear friends.

Shirley was a member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church and a charter member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church. She was president of the PTA for several years when her children were young. Shirley was a member of Chatmoss Country Club. She was an avid reader and history buff. Shirley also loved animals, especially dogs, and always had at least one in her home, many more when her children were growing up! She had other varied interests including bridge, needlework, and baking.

Shirley was an avid sports fan. She loved watching football, both professional and college. She was a diehard fan of the Washington Redskins for years. She loved watching basketball games and was a fan of professional golf. She always had ESPN on the televisions in her home!

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Gertrude Riggan, two brothers, Claude and Bill Riggan, and two husbands, Robert F. St. Lawrence and Samuel A. Hooker, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her beloved Chihuahua Jorge, who passed away in 2014.

Shirley is survived by her four children and grandchildren, daughter Patti and her husband Sid Kernodle of Newport News, VA and their daughter Lydia Kernodle of NYC; son Robert F. St. Lawrence II of Roanoke, VA, and his son, Robert "Fletcher" F. St. Lawrence III of Johnson City, TN; daughter Jenni and her husband John Yount of Eden, NC and their daughter Andrea Yount of Summerfield, NC; daughter Lisa St. Lawrence and partner Billy Foster, and her daughter Robyn Gross of Roanoke, VA. Shirley is also survived by her brother Wayne Riggan and his wife, Janette of Martinsville, VA; her sisters-in-law Barbara Riggan of Collinsville, VA; Margaret Williams of Danville, VA and Nancy Manning of Kinston, NC. Shirley had many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other special family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Shirley?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s loving home caretakers: Deborah Heath, Carolyn Trainham, and Angela Fountain. Without them, Shirley would not have been able to spend the last months of her life at home, which she so wanted to do.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, NC, and Hospice of Rockingham County for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, the Martinsville SPCA, Hospice of Rockingham County in North Carolina, or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Jenni, Patti and Lisa, I am so sorry to read of Shirley's death. We made a lot of friends at Past and Present but Shirley was the one special one. I loved Shirley. She was a sweet lady who always came in our door smiling from ear to ear. I remember the first time she came in with Jorge. He was a regular in our shop after that day. She certainly was loved by many and will be greatly missed. If I lived closer, I would most certainly be there on Thursday. Love to you all. Gloria Roop
Gloria Roop
We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family for the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was truly happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren. May her memories always be with you.
Buck and Jennie Smith
Shirley was considered "one of the girls" at Martinsville Travel, the place where I got to know her. What a wonderful,sweet friend and mentor she was to me. She will be truly missed.
Judy Edmonds
Jenni- Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May your memories give you peace and comfort
Lynn Miller
My heart goes out to your family. My sincere sympathy for your loss. She was a remarkable woman and I hope you celebrate your memories. Please know that the Aetna family is sending prayers and love to you.
Nancy Clark
I met Shirley when I worked at Martinsville Travel, beginning in 2000 until 2005. She was so gracious and funny. She shared herself like a long-lost friend. We shared a love of Depression glass and salt cellars, and realized we were both out of control! She graciously hosted my going- away party in her home, and we all had so much fun! She touched the lives of so many. I feel blessed to have known her.
Judy O'Brien

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