January 28, 2025, 88, Goldsboro —
Shirley Davis Gardner, 88, stepped into life everlasting with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 while being cared for at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Shirley was born in Wayne County to the late Emmette and Minnie Newsome Davis on June 15, 1936. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Gardner; son, Danny Kearney; granddaughter, Talitha Kearney Johnston; sister, Nora Kearney; and brothers, Edgar Davis and E.C. Davis.
Shirley worked with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and retired after 31 years of dedicated service.
Constantly putting others before herself, Shirley was happiest when she was helping someone. Full of love, she had a deep care that was evident not only in word, but also in deed. No matter whether friends, family, or stranger, her heart was always focused on how she could share the love of Christ through her actions.
A long-time member of Free Chapel P.F.W.B. Church, Shirley worshipped her Lord faithfully and made many great friendships with those in the congregation. Second only to her faith was love of her family. She loved deeply, and that love was never more evident than when she was spending time with them. She took great pride in her roles as wife, mama, and mema.
Always full of energy, Shirley was hard at work from the time her feet hit the floor until she returned to bed at night. Never one to be idle, she was constantly occupied with things that brought her joy. If the weather was good, you could find her spending hours fishing at Slick Rock or watching softball wherever there was a game. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball. Shirley also enjoyed listening to some good ole country music.
Shirley is survived by her grandson, Joshua Kearney; great-grandchildren, J.J. Kearney, Jordon Johnston and Harley Johnston; and two great-great-granddaughters. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Kearney and husband, J.D. Hines and brother, Randall M. Davis and wife, Sherry.
A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Free Chapel Church. Interment will follow in the Pikeville Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church. The family will not be receiving friends at the home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to Free Chapel Church, 3302 N.C. Hwy. 111 North, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
