Shirley Dean Wicker Ray Isley, 86, of Burlington went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Her final days were spent in the care of AuthoraCare Hospice Home.
Shirley was a native of Chatham County and the daughter of the late Roy and Mary Wicker of Burlington. She had a very special bond with her daddy and was a devoted and caring big sister to her three younger siblings. Our Aunt Carol, recently told the story of how her sister worked and made sure they all had Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas day.
Shirley was retired from Gold Toe Inc, where she worked as a Human Resources Specialist. In her early years, she was co-owner of Claray Company, a clothing manufacturer, and Nifty Threads Clothing Outlets. She also was franchise co-owner of a Shell gasoline station in Burlington.
In her free time, Shirley enjoyed painting (Bob Ross style), cooking, crafts, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved Elvis and was known to break out into song and dance anytime his songs would come on the radio. She was a fun, “cool” grandmother but never wanted to be called “grandma” – she preferred “Nanny Isley”. Nanny Isley brought cheer to every gathering – remembered for dressing up as the Easter Bunny and always donning lavish costumes for Halloween. She was a fantastic cook and was passionate about serving up new and interesting recipes for her family to try.
In her later years, Shirley was active in the American Business Women Association (ABWA) – Graham Chapter and was Woman of the Year in 2001. She enjoyed making her famous apple pies for the ABWA auctions. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and during her tenure, served as Queen Bee of The Dazzling Divas for a time.
She will be remembered for her elaborate, bright red outfits and for her extensive collection of eclectic clip-on earrings. These accessories were the perfect embodiment of her vivacious personality. She was known as a free spirit who loved to laugh and have fun. She was young at heart and a social butterfly, noted for seeing someone she knew everywhere she went and making new friends along the way. Her friends will miss her spirited wit and great sense of humor.
She especially enjoyed the beach and fishing off the coast of Hatteras Island. Shirley attended Peoples Memorial when she was still able to attend church. She loved fellowship and travel with friends and family.
Shirley is survived by daughters, Beth Webster (Wes), Cheryl Ingle (Randy), Della Carson, and Jamie Isley; grandchildren, David Worley, Crystal Carter (Colby), Ethan Ingle (Amanda), Hannay May (Cody), step-granddaughter, Kimber Carson (Dani); Great grandchildren; Trinity Worley, Riley May, Lena Carter, Tyler May, Conor May and Elias Carter; special cousins, Tom Green and Paula Weller along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by siblings: Carol Strickland, Autry Wicker and John David Wicker. Husbands; Clarence Ray and James Isley. Nephews; Keith Strickland and Ardirake “Sed” Wicker.
The family received friends from 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, at Rich &Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington and a memorial service followed at 3:15 p.m. in the chapel. The address is 306 Glenwood Ave Burlington, NC 27215.
A special thank you to the staff of AuthoraCare Hospice Home for their care and support of Shirley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice Home, 914 Chapel Hill Rd. Burlington, NC 27215 or a charity of your choice.
