Mary Shirley Obituary

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7

JOHNSON CITY - Mary L. Shirley, 83 of Johnson City went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, January 11, 2024 at her residence with her family holding her hands surrounding her bed. She was a native of Carter County and was a daughter of the late Richard Paul Tester and Bessie Taylor Tester. Mary was a faithful member of the Rich Acres Freewill Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the Choir and spending time with her church family and praising the Lord. She loved spending time with her family and friends at home. Mary inspired so many with her stories that she would share. Her stories were legendary, especially with her quick wit, characteristics and honesty. Mary spoke her mind and stood her ground but also was very soft, gentle and loving. She retired from Texas Instruments.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Franklin Tester and wife, Barbara; two sisters, Wanda Jean Adams and husband, Bob and Dorothy Sue Ingram; brothers-in-law, David Shirley, Joe Washburn and J.H Hopson.

Survivors include her loving husband of 65 years, Edward Wayne "Bud" Shirley; a sister, Maxine Marie Hopson of Unicoi: a brother-in-law, Robert Ingram of Johnson City; a special niece and caregiver, Jennifer "Sissy" Ward; a special cousin, Linda Leigh; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Shirley and Ruby Washburn; also, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mary will be conducted at 7:00 PM Monday, January 15, 2024 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with Pastor Kenneth Grindstaff officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until the service hour. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 16, 204 in the Roselawn Memory Park. Pallbearers will be Martin Fields, Larry Epperson, Matt Fann, Barry Hopson, Dale Oakes and David Wayne Shirley. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Rich Acres Freewill Baptist Church.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff and nurses at Amedisy Hospice for their love and care, the members of Rich Acres Freewill Baptist Church and the friends and family that have visited and called the home.

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Arrangements by Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. 423-928-2245