Shirley Dougherty Ferguson Pearson

Shirley Dougherty Ferguson Pearson went home to her eternal peace and rest on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She was 89 years old. 

Shirley is survived by her four daughters, Diana (Gerald) Meredith, Linda Gail (Gary)  Ferguson Stott, Lisa (Johnny) Sanders, Ramona (David) Ferguson Stapleton; grandchildren Jason (Carolina) Meredith, Jessie (Tyler) Meredith Smith, Jarrod (Megan) Sanders, Travis (Julia) Russell, Jonathan (Cyndi) Russell; great-grandchildren Madi, Cam, Callie, Keira, Londyn, Lilli, June, Roczen, Sullen, Burton; stepchildren Gary, Teresa, Lisa; step-grandchildren; sister Nancy (Allen) Godsey; sisters-in-law Debbie Wallace, Phyllis Bays, June Osborne, Shirley Harless, Drenda Pierson, and Sandra Shields; nephews Jerry, Hugh, Harold, Larry, and Ronnie Godsey, Buck Dougherty, Johnny and Arthur Ferguson, Eddie, Lowell, and Larry Ferguson, Richard and Charles Osborne, Mark and David Burke; nieces Karen Burke Jennings and Michelle Denise.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Walter C. Ferguson; parents Marion Ewing Dougherty, Sr. and Hannah Meade Dougherty; sister Helen June Dougherty and brother Marion Ewing (Buddy) Dougherty, Jr.; brothers-in-law John, Ed and Brent Ferguson and Kermit Osborne; sisters-in-law Lorine Harris, Iva Ferguson, Shirley Abshire Ferguson; nephews Donnie Godsey and Stephen Burke and niece Jenny Staples; and second husband Leroy Pearson.

Shirley was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Hiltons, Virginia and her nickname there was “Cutie.”  She was an exceptional homemaker - always tending a garden and canning or freezing its bounty and nurturing her flowers. She insisted on a clean house and was a great cook.  Shirley was particular and strong, always aspiring to do her best, and raised her four daughters to be the same.  She loved to shop, loved her job at the medical office in Nickelsville, and loved her friends, community, church, and family – especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Scott County Funeral Home, Weber City, Virginia.  A Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Layton Bentley officiating with music by Oscar Harris.  Graveside services at Holston View Cemetery will follow immediately after the Celebration of Life.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants at Sycamore Shoals Hospital for the kind and compassionate care they provided Mom during her stay there. The family sends special thanks to Pastor Larry Spivey who cannot be with us at this time but has always been present in heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Darthula Baptist Church, 1741 Lunsford Mill Rd., Hiltons, VA 24258 or New Bethel Baptist Church, 1111 Big Moccasin Rd., Nickelsville, VA 24271.

To view the video tribute please click here.

Carter-Trent/Scott County is serving the Pearson family.