In accordance with the will of our Heavenly Father, Shirley Laverne Simon was the first child born to the late Charles and Shirley Mae Burch Simon on June 27, 1953 in Peachland, North Carolina. Having made peace with God, she entered into the pearly gates where the angels sang, “Welcome child, where God’s embrace is known. There is no more earthly pain, your loved one is safely home.”

Shirley graduated from Bowman Sr. High School in 1971. She worked for various employers and later continued her education at Anson Community College and graduated Cum Laude in 1996. She retired from Anson County Department of Social Services in November 2018.

Shirley was joined in holy matrimony to the late Theodore Emanuel Allen who preceded her in death. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, nana, and friend. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and joined Long Pine Missionary Baptist Church. As her Christian worship experience evolved, she became an active member with West Deep Creek Baptist Church. She faithfully served as a choir member, deaconess, pastor aide, assistant Sunday school secretary, hospitality committee member, and various other auxiliaries. Shirley never allowed her illness to control who she was and to whom she belonged. She fought a good fight and kept the faith until God called her home on Thursday, July 28, 2022.

In addition to her parents and spouse, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Thomas Simon, brother-in-law, Frederick Marshall, and nephew, Frederick Marshall Jr.

Her commitment and dedication to serve her community did not go unnoticed. Her loyalty and countless volunteer hours as an active member of Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi, Order of Calentha of Morven, NC, Pilgrim Chapter #244, Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated Wadesboro, NC Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign War, Divine Angels, American Cancer Society, and a lifetime member of NAACP were noted and greatly appreciated. North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville, NC has a molded cast of Shirley’s hand on display as a tribute to her servant leadership.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: one beloved daughter, Erica Melton Suber (Shawn) of Fredericksburg, VA; two grandsons, Jalen and Logan Suber of Fredericksburg, VA; one brother, Gary Simon of Wadesboro, NC; three sisters, Cynthia Marshall and Atha Mae Simon of Wadesboro, NC; and Valerie Simon-Harris (Johnny) of Loganville, GA; one uncle, Rev. Thomas Burch of Ruby, SC; one aunt, Rev. Ray Ann Short of Chesterfield, SC; one sister-in-law, Daisy McLendon of Lilesville, NC; a caring godmother, Lily Melton Thomas and godsister, Wanda Melton of Polton, NC; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

Shirley’s love for others was evident by the way she spent time with her family, friends, and doing charity work throughout her community and surrounding counties. She will be fondly remembered and we will always hold her memory close in our hearts and cradle her in our prayers.

The services to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Deaconess Allen will be on Monday, August 1, 2022, 3:00pm, West Deep Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Westview Memorial Park, Highway 74-West, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

The public viewing will be on Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 4:00-6:00pm at Smith's Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anson County Council on Aging, 199 NC-74, Wadesboro, NC 28170

Livestream will be available on West Deep Creek Missionary Baptist Church Facebook Page.

The Family respectfully requests that you hold all phone calls and visits to the residence at this time.