Shirley R Ballard

Shirley Ray Ballard, 61, was born on October 10, 1957 to the late John Robert Leary and Leebell Ballard Leary. She departed this life on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Va.

Shirley was educated in the Gates County Public School system. She joined Joppa Missionary Baptist Church and served on the Usher’s Board for a period of time. She loved children and spending time with family and friends and especially the love of her life of 36 years, Mr. Ronnie Nowell. In her spare time, she also enjoyed fishing and gardening, playing cards, and her crossword puzzles.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Alvin Ballard and Willie Ballard.

Shirley leaves her fond memories, her life time partner, William “Ronnie” Nowell, two sisters, Minnie Leary (Clarence) of Gates, NC and Brenda Leary of Sunbury, NC; three brothers, Albert (Ice Man) Ballard of Gatesville, NC, Otis Leary and Roosevelt Leary of Sunbury, NC. Two aunts, Pauline Adams of Suffolk, VA and Shirley R. Leary of Gatesville, NC; Four sisters-in-law, Doris Hunter of Hobbsville, NC, Shirleen Figgs (Larry) of Corapeake, NC, Lola Rountree (Kenneth) of Gates, NC and Jackie Ralph (Earl) of Edenton, NC; Two brothers-in-law, Jerry Nowell (Marie) of Hobbsville, NC and Reggie Twine (Elisa) of Corapeake, NC; One stepdaughter, Tosha Oliver of Raleigh NC; One niece, Tammy Stephens (Dwayne) of Winton, NC; Two nephews, Willie Goodman (Ella) of Georgia and Roger Goodman (Kim) of St. John, NC; and a host of other nieces and nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends and members of the community on Monday July 29, 2019 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the funeral home.

A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday July 30, 2019 at 12:00 noon at Joppa Missionary Baptist Church. 1271 Acorn Hill Rd. Hobbsville, NC.

Burial will follow at Ballard's Grove Church Cemetery. Gates, NC

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