Shirley McMasters Headen

Shirley Headen was born to the late Thomas Radius McMasters and Eva Bowden McMasters on January 18, 1938 in Staley, North Carolina. After decades of brightening the lives of many others, she transitioned from this earthly life to be with the Lord on Monday, February 7, 2022.

Shirley accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Olivers Chapel A.M.E Zion church. Before her health deteriorated, you’d likely see her sitting in the same pew, and she was very likely to be one of the very last to leave.

An exceptional learner with an amazing memory, Shirley graduated from Randolph High School and attended Durham College Business School. After completing college, she spent time in New York with family. After leaving New York, she returned to her roots and spent the remainder of her life in and around her hometown of Staley, NC surrounded by a host of family, friends, and neighbors.  She was employed with Liberty Chair Furniture for several years, and eventually retired from Klaussner Furniture.

Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering calm and gentle spirit, frequent dinners at Captain Tom’s Seafood, her love of the color purple and most of all, the love she provided her family. Spending time with family was one of her greatest joys, and she never missed a family reunion (Bowden or McMasters). While she didn’t have a favorite hobby, she relished the opportunity to sit and talk about the family’s rich history with pride and love.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, Jesse Headen, of Washington, DC.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory three children, Eddie McMasters (Barbara) of Staley, NC, Marty Headen of Winston Salem, NC and Cheryl Burnett (Patrick) of Boerne, TX; six grandchildren, Michael, Keane, Trevor, Dan’elle, Jordan and Peyton, and a host of great-children. She also leaves her brothers, Bob McMasters (Barbara) and Howard McMasters, special cousins Bennie and Bettie Bittle who all provided immeasurable support; and her loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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