Shirley Davis

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Shirley Davis, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend. Shirley peacefully departed this world on September 26, 2026, in the comfort of her home, after bravely facing the challenges of dementia and other illnesses. Her enduring spirit and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Born on June 3, 1942, in the warm embrace of Charlotte, North Carolina, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Rich Smith and Fern Shurbert. She is preceded in death by her parents and her dear friend Zan Bunn. Despite the profound absence of these figures in her life, Shirley's legacy continues to blossom through the lives of her survivors, including her devoted son, Steven Norris, and her cherished grandchildren, Aiden Norris, Madison Norris, and Jr. Stephen Norris. She was also nurtured by the enduring support of her close friends Maryann Byrd, Ronald Bass, Dan Barrett, and Victoria Smith. Shirley's academic journey was marked by excellence and ambition. She graduated at the top of her class from Central High School in 1960, before pursuing a bachelor's degree in government from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her career as a Legislative Assistant reflected her dedication to public service, as she worked diligently to research policy, draft speeches, and track active bills, leaving an enduring impact on her colleagues and the community. A pillar of the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte for over 40 years, Shirley's faith was a guiding light in her life. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as coloring, walking around her neighborhood, fishing, and spending time with her beloved dog. Her love for reading the Bible provided her with solace and inspiration throughout her life. Shirley was known for her outspokenness and unwavering strength, never allowing anyone to diminish her spirit. Her empathetic nature made her a confidante and source of wisdom for those in need. She was an amazing person, always ready to lend a helping hand and support those she loved. A service to honor and celebrate Shirley’s life will be held on October 25, 2026, at 2:50 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather and share their memories of Shirley, celebrating the life of a remarkable woman who gave so much to others. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, in remembrance of Shirley’s enduring faith and community service. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.