Shirley Ann (Sampson) Pittman

April 9, 2021

Obituary & Services

Tribute Wall

OBITUARY

Holly Ridge- Shirley Ann Sampson Pittman, 76, passed Friday April 9, 2021 at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center.

Shirley was born in Greensboro, NC on November 7th, 1944.  She had a big heart and made many friends while living in Greensboro, Goldsboro, Cape Carteret, and Hampstead, NC.  Shirley was a locally known artist with paintings seen across the east coast.  To her eyes, anything could be a canvas – a window, a saw, a wall – she found a way to make them all more beautiful. 

Before she was able to focus on her natural artistic talents, Shirley spent time in a variety of other arenas; she completed training in secretarial skills, worked in optometry, and worked in many forms of sales.  She was a substitute teacher at Topsail Schools and was proud of obtaining her real estate license.

Shirley had the will, drive, and determination to accomplish her goals, raise her children, and contribute to a stable and harmonious life for her grandchildren and special others that she loved.  Shirley was compassionate, unconditionally loving, and never knew a stranger.  She had a knack for making everyone feel special. She accepted and encouraged individuality. Shirley always shared encouraging words and unconditional hugs. She never failed to remember people and special occasions with a card or a call even long after they were not active in her life. Shirley endured much, did not complain, and was never a victim despite the personal challenges she faced. She was a big supporter of sick children and “underdogs”. If you needed someone to take on a challenge or to solve a problem, she was the one to call.

Shirley enjoyed many of the small things in life but some of her favorites were spending time with her family and friends.  Shirley loved the beach, especially the ocean front at Myrtle Beach.   Over the years, she planned many trips to Myrtle Beach with family and friends to share her love with others and to make special memories there with her children and grandchildren.   It was there that we all got to see the dolphins, and where she taught us all about feeding seagulls “cat food”.

Shirley had an affinity for the Road Runner.  To those who saw her on the road, she was the Road Runner.  But, more than anything, she was our “momma bear” with the biggest heart and a “grand-momma” like no other.  If Shirley felt something was needed or wanted by those she loved, she would stop at nothing to make it happen…she always found a way.

Shirley is survived by her children, Carol Ann Doerter (Jim Hall) of McKinney, TX, Barbara Louise Doerter (Rebecca Doerter) of Goldsboro, NC, Carl Arthur Doerter (Tammy Doerter) of Hampstead, NC; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Martha Sampson Best (David Best).

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milton Lee Pittman; parents, Herman & Helen Sampson; brother, Herman Sampson Jr.; sister, Mary Elizabeth Irvin.

The family will receive visitors Saturday April 17th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Holly Ridge. The funeral service will be immediately after at 6:00 pm in the same location. In honor of Shirley the family suggests wearing blue or other choices representative of Shirley:  daises, beach, or artist.

In remembrance of Shirley’s life, if you are one of the fortunate ones to have a piece of her artwork, she would consider it an honor for you to just treasure it. If you have memories with her at the beach, think of her when you return. If you wish to honor her life in another way, the family ask that you plant daisies as a way of keeping her memory with you.  Another option is to consider a donation to one of Shirley’s favored charities or a charity of your choice.

St Jude’s Hospital – www.stjude.org
Parkinson’s Disease – www.michaelJfox.org
Shriners Hospitals for Children – www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org

Momma, please overlook any grammar errors we may have made. We had you over our shoulder checking so hopefully we “done good”. :)

SERVICES

VISITATION

Saturday
April 17, 2021
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Jones Funeral Home - Holly Ridge
207 N. Dyson Street
Holly Ridge, NC 28445

https://www.jonesfh.org/obituary/Shirley-Pittman?fbclid=IwAR3eesYhAoKwg7gSeLjmKp2d26oa2dUQfvFFBtEFaUwOSxyiRyXDdZ_slbg