Shirlene Reid Gray

Shirlene Reid Gray took her final trip on March 17, 2024.  It was the trip she had planned to take since she was 13 years old.

Born in Rockingham County November 21, 1936 to Charles Luther and Nannie Page Hall, both deceased.  She graduated from Reidsville High in 1955.  She was the only full-time female bus driver for Reidsville High School from 1951-1955.  She was offered a job as the first female bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines in 1955 but declined.

For 12 years she worked as office manager of Rich & Thompson Funeral Services and upon leaving she and Larry Reid her husband and soul mate started their furniture business call S & L Furniture Outlet which they ran until 1997 when Larry became sick.  Their customers always called them the most honest business people.  Shirlene and Larry said it was Gods business and they just ran it for Him.  Additionally in 1985 Shirlene and Larry started Toughlove in Alamance, Orange, Caswell and Rockingham Counties.  It was reported they helped over 500 families.  In March, 1992 she was nominated Woman in Leadership at Elon University.

After retirement she began to volunteer with Hospice.  For 20 years she was on the board of Hospice League and volunteered at the home clothing store and flea market.

She was devout Christian belonging to Pleasant View Assembly of God in Reidsville, NC

In addition to her parents, she is pre-deceased by:
                Brothers:  Garland and Forrest Hall
                Sister:  Vivian Hall Bondurant
                Husbands:  Al Stephen Pierce
                                   Bob Durham
                                   Larry Reid
                                   Bobby Gray
                Daughter:  Yvette Renee Durham

Surviving:
                Brother:  Melvin Hall (Peggy) of Wilmington, NC
                Son:  Guy Pierce (Jodi) of High Point, NC
                Stepson:  Jeff Reid of Elon, NC
                Grandchildren:  Jordan Pierce (Ashley) of Dunwoody, GA
                                          Kaelyn Pierce of Greensboro, NC
                                          Hailey Pierce of Pittsburgh, PA
                Great Grandchildren :  Jane and Henry Pierce of Dunwoody, GA

An amazing friendship came about with Mel Smith.  Shirlene and Mel spent many special moments late in life on trips and on dinner dates with friends.  Mel was a blessing to us all.

In addition, Darlene Creamer was her care giver and close friend for many years.  she served Shirlene admirably with care, compassion and love.

In later stages of her life, the staff at The Oaks of Alamance were special to her.  They went above and beyond to love her, to care for her and to give her a quality of life that wouldn’t have been possible without them.  Thank you Dustin and the entire staff of The Oaks of Alamance for all you did for her.

Funeral services will be held at Pleasant View Assembly of God in Reidsville, NC on Friday, March 22 at 2:00 pm.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pleasant View Assembly of God, 10792 Cherry Grove Rd, Reidsville, NC 27320 or AuthoraCare Collective, 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

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