Shirley Kent

Shirley C. Kent, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at her home. She was born November 14, 1935 in Lenoir, NC. She is preceded in death by her mother Eula Crisp Campbell, her father William Rufus Campbell and her husband of 51 years Bill Kent, Sr.

Shirley graduated from Gamewell High School and married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Bill Kent, Sr. She lived in Lenoir for most of her life. Shirley worked at the House of Lora, Norment & Lambert, Kent Travel Agency and Groome, Tuttle, Pike and Blair, PA. She loved the many trips she took with her husband, Bill, during their 35 years of work with Kent Travel Agency. Of all the trips she was able to take, her visit to the Holy Lands was always her favorite.

Shirley was a faithful member of College Avenue Baptist Church for over 55 years. She was a member of the adult choir, taught Sunday School and served on many church committees. Shirley was a dedicated follower of Christ who shared God’s Love with everyone she met.

Shirley had a deep love of sports, especially golf, tennis, baseball and football. She enjoyed playing golf with her husband and many golfing friends, going to football games or just watching games on television. Shirley was a strong supporter of the athletic programs at Wake Forest University and Appalachian State University. If you visited Shirley’s house, the chances of watching a sporting event were very high.

Shirley is going to be missed by the family that supported her and the friends who worked with her and played golf with her. To celebrate Shirley’s life and support the organization that assisted her the most during her illness, please consider providing a donation to the McCreary Cancer Center in Shirley’s name.

Shirley’s favorite Bible Verse was Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.”