Shirley Horne Wilson

Published 2:07 pm Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Shirley Horne Wilson was born Shirley Hyden Horne on January 7, 1927, to James Waverly Horne and Doris Purdie Horne, in the home on their family farm near Smithfield.  She died on February 16, 2025, at the age of 98.

Shirley began her education at Chuckatuck but transferred to Smithfield when she entered the 5th grade.  Upon graduating from Smithfield High School, she attended and received a two-year degree from Averett University, then a Bachelor’s Degree from VPI.  In her mid-thirties, she earned a Master’s Degree in English Literature from East Tennessee State University.  At the age of 50, Shirley earned a Doctor of Philosophy in 18th Century Rhetoric from Texas Women’s University.

In 1946, Shirley married the love of her life, Paul Brenner Wilson.  At the time of his death in 2009, the couple had been happily married for 63 years.  Following Paul’s retirement and move back to Smithfield, Shirley and Paul were active members of Smithfield Baptist Church.  After Paul’s passing, Shirley attended Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church, which she had attended as a child.  A loving friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by a sister, two daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s family is extremely grateful for the loving care she received at the Garden, the Memory Care Unit at Magnolia Manor in Smithfield, during the last four years of her life.  Her family also is enormously grateful for the care provided by Riverside Hospice Care during the final year of her life.

A simple graveside interment will be held in the spring, for family and close friends. Those who wish to honor Shirley are encouraged to do so by donating to the Dementia Society of America.