Shirley Ann Lilly

Shirley Ann Lilly of Halifax went peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her loving husband of 71 years and her devoted children. Shirley was born on May 27, 1936 at Itmann, West Virginia to Rev. Ora and Effie Sargent.

Shirley enjoyed reminiscing about her childhood and often told stories of her amazing childhood growing up in Killarney, WV with her two sisters, Gaye and Imogene and her wonderful parents. She attended Stoco High School, Coal City, WV where she was a member of the girls’ basketball team for four years and co-captain her senior year. She was a typist for the high school yearbook, Princess in the May Court, President of the Try-Hi-Y club, and Editor of the school newspaper. She was in the National Honor Society for two years. She graduated high school as Senior Class Secretary and the class Salutatorian in 1955.

Shirley met the love of her life, Arnold R. Lilly in high school and they married on September 10, 1955. His Air Force career took them to many places, and they enjoyed living in Tampa, Fla; Charleston, South Carolina; Hahn Air Force Base in Germany; Wichita, KS; Forestville, MD; Beckley, WV; and White Plains, MD for 47 years before moving to Halifax County in 2022.

Besides being a devoted wife and mom to Debbie, Patty, and Eddie, Shirley worked outside the home. Her proficiency in shorthand and typing helped her obtain her first job working in the office at her uncle’s oil company in Ashland, KY. She was a purchasing agent at JC Penney for 11 years. She was admissions coordinator at Meridian Nursing Home, LaPlata, MD and Maryland Veteran’s Home, Charlotte Hall, MD for a total of 10 years. She was the store manager of Good Ole Boys Racing Collectible Store for 13 years. She retired in 2007.

Shirley enjoyed making crafts and writing poetry. She and Arnie enjoyed attending Lilly Family Reunions, Redskins games and University of Maryland Women’s Basketball games together.

She loved coffee ice cream, but her favorite was butter pecan. She enjoyed cup of coffee in the morning and sitting on her porch and talking to her sister, Gaye, on the phone. She loved riding in the car, and the destination did not matter. She loved Hallmark movies and watching cooking shows on TV. She always remembered the birthday and anniversary of family and friends and loved sending and receiving greeting cards.

Family was always the most important thing in the world to her, not only the heritage of her ancestors, but her husband, children, five grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She loved to be surrounded by family and cooking for them, especially making watergate salad for any occasion. She was devoted to her husband, Arnie, for 71 years and loved their life together. Although petite and short in stature, Shirley’s perseverance and strength are an enduring example for her family.

Shirley is survived by: husband Arnold Rowe Lilly; daughters Deborah Kaye Bychowski and husband Jim; Patricia L. Davis and husband, Tim; and son Edward A. Lilly; grandchildren: Matthew Bychowski and wife, Hannah; Christine Laffoon and husband, Daniel; Mark Bychowski and wife, Megan; Jenny Jones and husband, Adam; Brad Davis and wife Lauren. Her 12 great grandchildren: Carter Jones, Harper Jones, Elijah Laffoon, Micah Laffoon, Jack Laffoon, Marty Laffoon, Benjamin Bychowski, IsaacBychowski, Lucas Bychowski, Keegan Davis, Kehler Davis, and Jordan Davis. Brother in Law: Larry Lilly; sister Virginia Gaye McKinney and husband, Randall. She is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2:00 Monday, September 21, 2026 in the chapel at Brooks Lyon Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00. In lieu of flowers please consider giving to Amedisys Hospice of Blackstone 920 S. Main Street, Suites C & D, Blackstone, VA 23824.