Obituary of Shirley Kirby Ferguson

Shirley K. Ferguson, 88 of Huddleston, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born on Monday, February 13, 1933 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Ernest L. Kirby and Ethel Nadine Johnson Kirby. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Billy G. Ferguson and her brothers, Jack, Coy and Kyle Kirby. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Claudius) Tuck; son, Tony G. (Vickie) Ferguson; grandchildren, Tonya T. Nance, Kennon (Alicia) Tuck, Brandon (Cheryl) Tuck, Jill and Clay Ferguson; great-grandchildren, Whitney (Devin) Banker, Heather (Zac) Blankenship, Austin, Katlyn & Noah Tuck, great great grandchildren, Emmie and Eli Banker; special niece, Rhonda Ferguson; great nephew, Rusty Orange & his son, Kaden; great niece, Bobbie Sue Orange; brother, John (Brenda) Kirby, sisters-in-law, Barbara (Leonard) Mayhew, Brenda Howard (friend, Gene) as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. Anyone who knew Shirley knew her as the strongest, hardest working, most determined person they've ever met. As the youngest and only girl in the family, Shirley learned to be tough with her four older brothers, but she also balanced them with her compassionate, loving heart. It was this combination of fearlessness and kind heartedness that made her destined for a career in public service as a nurse. Shirley started her nursing career in Bedford Memorial Hospital. She then transitioned to private practice, working for Dr. Waldron and then Dr. Jenrette in Bedford. After moving to Huddleston, she worked for the local physician, Dr. Jesse Tucker for over twenty years alongside her best friends, Ellen Mitchell and Sylvia Cox. She then spent the next thirty-five years at Physicians Associates with Dr. Wayne Hutchison who said that "She was so much more than can be summed up with her work in the office. She would drive to work everyday, rain or shine, in that big boat of a car because the patients always came first. What a wonderful friends and partner she was." Throughout this time, Shirley pushed through crippling arthritis and worked until the age of 80, exemplifying an unparalleled perseverance that inspired her colleagues, friends and family. It is still a wonder to all who knew her how as to how this petite woman (only 5'3") could contain so much drive. She was the personification of "get 'er done." Her patients often praised her efficient, effective service. Many sought out her specifically to enjoy her feisty, quick-witted spirit. Shirley's sassy, sharp nature was just a glimpse into the depths of her impeccable memory and intelligence. On her way home from work, Shirley would put the pedal to the metal in her Mercury (like she drove everything including shopping cart scooters) and make house calls, stopping by to dress wounds and deliver medicine. At home, she would continue her service to others, from taking care of her family to treating illness for anyone who walked in her home. She was also the primary caregiver to her husband's brother, "Winkie", father-in-law, Papa Clay and her own mother, Ethel until their deaths all the while working full-time without missing a day. "Nanny," as she was known to her family, made her house a place for everyone to eat way too much food and enjoy the best homemade cakes you ever ate in your life. She was the Matriarch of the Ferguson family and inspired the utmost respect from every single person who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her personality and presence set the tone for everyone in her family to always try their very best and treat people with love and compassion even when they fail. Her entire family was made better from her influence and will forever try their best to be as strong and loving as Nanny. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mentow Baptist Church Cemetery, 3282 Mentow Drive, Huddleston, VA 24104. In true Shirley fashion, she left everything on the field to fight COVID. A public, socially distanced viewing will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Mentow Baptist Church followed by a public graveside at 2 PM in the church cemetery with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. Please bring a chair and wear a mask. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.