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Obituary For Shirley Matthews Crisp
Shirley Matthews Crisp, 79 of Cascade, VA passed Sunday, November 16, 2025. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 21, 2025 at St John United Methodist Church, 1112 Center Church Road, Eden, NC. The “Homegoing” service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with interment following at Hairston’s Family Cemetery 174 Shady Grove Rd. Eden, NC.
A public viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home 511 Henry St. Eden, NC.
Livestream will be on Perry-Spencer Funeral Home Facebook account
Shirley Matthews Crisp, born October 3, 1946, departed this life on November 16, 2025, at her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Sarah Matthews and younger brother, Karl Matthew.
Shirley grew up in Athens, GA, raised by her grandparents who owned a greenhouse. She grew up working around flowers and understanding the challenges that faced black business owners in the south during the Civil Rights era. As a result, upon enrolling in Claflin University, she found her passion for activism and speaking up for those who didn't have a voice. She participated in voter registration drives and met her future husband, Arthur Crisp, through their involvement in the NAACP.
Shirley graduated with degree in music and went on to complete two master's degrees in education from NC A&T University. Her passion for helping others was never more evident than her commitment to educating generations of children in Rockingham County. For more than two decades, she served as a sixth-grade teacher, assistant principal, and principal of Leaksville - Spray Elementary School (formerly L-S Intermediate School). Upon retiring from NC in 2000, she joined Martinsville City School as a principal of various schools before retiring from the district in 2008. However, retirement didn't last long - she made a brief return to Rockingham County as an interim principal of Reidsville Middle School. Shirley was never one to stay on the sidelines, though. He love of music, specially the piano, brought her into the world of church choirs at an early age and continued throughout her adult life when she served as pianist for both St. Stephens UMC in Madison, NC and her home church St. John UMC in Eden, NC. She also served on several community boards during her life, most recently the board for the Cascade Volunteer Fire Department.
Her pride and joy, though, were her family - husband, Arthur and daughter, Charlie. She and Arthur could frequently be found around town and were known for delivering holiday cakes and lunches to their favorite businesses and the Eden PD. She could be spotted easily in her car with the vanity “Wake Mom” plate, a nod to how proud she was of her daughter being a Wake Forest alumni. Her two furry kinds, Fluffy and Diggy, were almost always along for the ride.
In the wake her passing, her life will continued to be honored by her husband, Arthur Crips (Cascade, VA), her daughter, Charlie Crisp (Huntersville, NC); two sisters, Mildred Butler-Harris (Temple Hills, MD) and Carolyn Adams (Fort Washington, MD), a brother, Lawrence Chris Matthews (St. Petersburg, FL), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, an honorary granddaughter, friends, former students and “her teachers”, who she cherished gathering with regularly in retirement.
Shirley always believed in giving flowers to the living, a habit she demonstrated during her lifetime. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Claflin University Loyalty Band fund or St. John UMC.
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Debra Graves planted 5 trees in memory of Shirley Matthews Crisp . - November 18, 2025
Cousin Charlie. Uncle Arthur. My love and prayers are with you both. May she rest in paradise peacefully as her memory lives on through the both of you. From my Family to yours, may the peace of the Lord be with you.
Dear Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your loved one, Sister Shirley. The Winston family wraps our arms around you, trusting in God's healing during this difficult time.
Sincerely, The Winston Family
To the family during this time of bereavement. We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers. She was a joy to be around and we loved her very much. Please know that the Lord will comfort you 🙏🏾
Arthur and Charlie, We are sorry for your loss of such a precious gem. Our family thought a lot of you all, since for many years our parents were the greatest of friends. We offer our condolences to you, and your family. Our Prayers are with you. Respectfully Saunder and Frances Adams and Family.🙏❤️
You were an amazing Lady, you were my favorite teacher and I will miss those kind words of wisdom. R.I.P Ms. Crisp All My Love and Prayers for the Family
My sincere condolences to the Family of Ms. Shirley Crisp. My late Father worked under her during the 90's & early 2000's as the Custodial/Maintence Man. Dad had so much respect and loyality towards Ms. Crisp. As she had for my Father. I appreciated the kind words she spoke on his behalf during his Homegoing Service back in 2013. She was a Leader, No Non Sense and Kind Hearted. To Charlie, Arthur and the rest of the Family... I am sorry for your loss. She was a amazing Educator, Community Leader and Women of God.
Sincerely, Perry Saunders
It is with deep sadness that I write this. Mrs. Crisp (Shirley) was one of my parents because Christina was a student of mine, my "boss" because I worked under her leadership in Virginia and my sister in Christ. She was our church pianist for several years. In all these rolls, she was always kind, caring and compassionate. Always sharing her gifts and talents with others. Her death is a great loss to me and all who knew her. My prayers are with her family at this difficult time. Love and prayers, Cornelia Dalton
I send my deep condolences on your loss. Mrs. Crisp was a great principal!
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Shirley Crisp, was a great teacher she was my 6th grade teacher I have never seen a better person than her she always had time to talk about anything I needed help with!! She gave me the best advice and helped me to stay on the right path!! I never will forget her and I know that GOD has gained a very special soul!! I loved her and I always will! Someone like her puts an imprint on your life that never ends!!! So I just want to say thank you for being such a wonderful person to me and many others who had the chance to have her pass on the knowledge that she gave to me and all of the students who were fortunate enough to be in her class!!
Dear Charlie and Arthur, When I heard of Shirley's death yesterday I was so overwhelmed with sadness. I thought the world had lost another saint. Her presence in this world touched so many lives and made them better. I think of all the students she reached and all her colleagues who benefited by her strong leadership and support. It was a pleasure to a part of her staff. Her love for her children and her teachers made the world a better place. She was a kind but strong lady who will be missed but her memories will live on in many hearts. I'm so glad to have worked with her and called her friend. I sent this with much love and respect and I will miss her but am glad I was able to be touched by her life. My condolences, Arlean Christman
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
