Shirley A. McLaughlin of Raeford departed this life on the morning of January 2, 2017 at 88 years of age after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
She was born in Raeford and moved to Greensboro after marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Sterling O. McLaughlin. Upon retirement as a manager at Rose's, she and her husband returned to Raeford. Having always been very spiritual, she was baptized as a witness to Jehovah prior to leaving Greensboro, and upon returning to Raeford, remained a faithful member of Jehovah's Witness until her death.
She was a devoted and caring wife and mother. She found great joy in family and raising her children, sewing, crocheting, growing flowers, and always had high standards for all her endeavors. When faced with challenging situations, she demonstrated equanimity, compassion and strength, and without question, embodied grace and humility.She was preceded in death by her parents, Angus and Beatrice Armstrong; sisters, Mary Lillie Armstrong and Thelma Turner; and brothers, Jessie Armstrong, Willie Armstrong, and Alexander Armstrong.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband of 69 years, Sterling O. McLaughlin of Raeford; a son, Sterling L. McLaughlin (Francine) of Roanoke, Virginia; son Archie McLaughlin (Marie) of Wallace; daughter Lanette M. Barnes (Bartholomew) of Raeford; son Terry McLaughlin of Greensboro; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Kingdom Hall in Raeford January 14, 2017.
Condolences can be made online at www.purcellfuneralhomes.com