Shirley Mills Story

Shirley O'Neill Story

Shirley O'Neill Story, 91, of Lenoir passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, December 20th, 2024, while listening to the Christmas story from Luke 2.

A cherished wife, mother, friend, art teacher and sister in Christ, she will be missed greatly.

Shirley's faith in Jesus Christ was unshakable. Born in Newark, NJ, June 8th, 1933, she graduated from Women's College in Greensboro then married John Lawson Story of Shelby. They raised and prayed to salvation 3 children all while moving frequently for John's job with Continental Insurance.

After moving to Lenoir in 1971, the family attended First Presbyterian Church and Shirley ran Good News Day Care Center for 20 years. After retiring she attended Fairview Presbyterian Church and began painting beautiful watercolor and pastel paintings. She was a member of the Brush & Palette Club, Foothills Visual Art Guild, High Country Watermedia, a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina. She competed in the Senior Olympics swimming at State and National levels for years.

In her 70's Shirley traveled around the country in her green van, staying off of the interstate and camping at state campgrounds or staying with host homes with the “Mennonite Your Way” program. One of the three “O'Neill girls”, she traveled to China with her sisters and then painted from her photos of all the wonderful sites she had seen.

Shirley is survived by her youngest sister, Nancy Pine of Altadena, CA, and preceded in death by her elder sister, Carol Malehorn of Dublin, OH. Surviving also are Lynn, Michael and Bobbie Jo Downham of Lenoir. John Jr. and Terri Story of Morganton, Justin Reese and family of Charleston, SC, Larry and Gail Story of Greensboro, Kyle Story of Winston-Salem, Kara Written and family of Savannah, and Caleb Story of Greensboro.

There will be a celebration of life after the holidays. The family wishes to thank Amorem hospice for the excellent care they provided and to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Shirley O’Neill Story.