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Shirley Jean Fulp Gray, 80, of Eden passed away Friday, March 8, 2024 at UNC Rockingham Healthcare in Eden.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm Monday, March 11, 2024 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. Burial will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 4-6pm at Fair Funeral Home. The family will meet at other times at Shirley's home, 651 Roberts Road, Eden.

Shirley was born December 19, 1943 in Pine Hall, NC. Her parents were the late Homer I. Fain, Jr. and Girdaleen Purdy Fain. She was a graduate of Morehead High School, class of ’62. Shirley was a member of New Life Chapel. She loved going to church. Shirley worked in international sales at Fieldcrest and then as an administrative assistant for Home Trust Bank until her retirement. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking. She loved going to yard-sales. Mostly, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Laura Gray Bailey (Tim); son, Michael Gene Gray (Kim); bonus children, Virginia Lawson (John and family), Cindy Clark (Dean and family); grandchildren, Jake Gray (Megan), Jessica Trent (Randy), Kimberly Bailey, Candace Hampton (Eric); great-grandchildren, Brayden, Eli, Reagan, Fletcher, Tucker, Kolbie, Baby Girl Gray; stepsister, Charlotte Allender.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her lifetime companion, Ralph Garland Carter.

Special thank you to Hagan Pace, FNP, Dr. Ventura, Nurse John, and all of the other Health Care workers throughout her illness.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com

Dear Laura, Mike and family...... I'm so very sorry for your loss!!! Your precious Mother was such a sweet, godly lady and I loved her very much!!! I will always remember her sweet smile from when we attended church together!!! May God Bless you all with comfort and peace at this sad time!!! 

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer's.

Laura & Mike I saw your Mama's name here and could do no more than gasp. I just saw her at the doctors office in February and we were able to talk for a few minutes which was so nice. I was always thinking about her because she was one of my favorite people. Shirley was such a joy to be around and I enjoyed talking with her so much. I'm so sorry I'm not going to be able to come and be with y'all because I fell 3 weeks ago and broke my foot and ankle very badly, I'm waiting for the trauma surgeon to see the scan of my foot so he can see what he's going to have to do to my foot. This has been a long 3 weeks but I still have probably another 6 weeks after surgery. It absolutely breaks my heart that I can't come but I will certainly have your family in my prayers. If you are going to live stream the service I will certainly be there. I'm sending my love to you guys . God bless . 

I have always enjoyed having Shirley as a resident during her stays for short term rehab.   She was always so nice and encouraging to me.   I enjoyed visiting with her and talking to her.  I never left her room without a smile.   She loved to tell me about her family and I could tell how much she loved them.    She will be missed.

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.   

I'm so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing.  I worked with Shirley in International Sales and I loved her.  Praying for the family.

Mike & Laura I am so deeply sorry for your loss of such a wonderful beautiful lady.  She was an angel in disguise.  There are no words.  God will see you through this.  My condolences to the family and heartfelt prayers.

You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Shirley was a special person to many people. May God be with you.

Remembering all my summers growing up as Shirley's sister, she allowed me to tag along to places she probably would have rather gone along or with her friends. We had great summers together mostly with Neil and Dennis, we played fort in the basement before Daddy built the house on top! Went swimming almost daily in the pond Daddy built out back, I was so afraid of that muddy water! Aunt Helen taught me to float and swim in that pond, she use to do our nails and hair cause she didn't have girls! Great memories and lots of smiles, that's what I am remembering today, her love and warmth for the Indiana little sister!

Mike - so sorry to hear of your mother's passing.  Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry to hear I of her passing. She was a great friend whom I worked with for nine years at home trust bank.  After my retirement and hers, I moved out of town n did not get to see her as much as I would have liked too.  5 of us friends of hers did get together to celebrated each one's birthday.  I will miss her and especially our birthday lunches.  To Laura n family thank u for bringing her home from nursing home n taking turns looking after her.  I know the Lotd will bless u for it. 

You held a special place in my heart since i was a child.. sweet thoughtful and caring. My condolence to Laura and Mike. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Sending sincere condolences to Virginia and Family.

Mike and Laura, 

I am sorry to hear of Shirley's death. Great memories of her, Homer and Gertie. She loved her children and grands. Please know you are in my prayers. 

Please accept our deepest sympathies on your mom's passing. Prayers for comfort and peace.

Jeff & Crystal Reynolds

Mike, Laura & Family

Shirley was a Special Sweet Lady. Such a sweet prescence to everyone who came in contact with her. We used to enjoy chatting with her at the bank, yard sales & Wonderfful Memories from Church. Our Prayers go out to all the Family.. God bless your days ahead...