WILMINGTON — Shirley Taylor Pigford, 80, died peacefully Sunday, May 7, 2017, at Liberty Commons in Wilmington, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born July 19, 1936, in Wilmington to the late John A. Taylor Sr. and Alice S. Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy H. Pigford; and brother, John (Buddy) Taylor Jr.
Surviving are her son, Kirk H. Pigford, and his wife, Luanne C. Pigford; grandsons, Bradley and Carter (Brittany) Pigford; sisters, Carolyn Lewis, Bonnie Tompkins and Donna (Jimmy) Gideon; sister-in-law, Marie Taylor; stepmother, June Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.
She was an active member of Gibson Avenue Baptist Church for many years. Mrs. Pigford was involved in many volunteer organizations including, Wilmington Baptist Association, Hospice, and the RR Auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling, reading and her Red Hat Society friends. Mrs. Pigford retired from New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at Gibson Avenue Baptist Church, 2037 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, with the Rev. Vic Potter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care Center, Gibson Avenue Baptist Church, or a charity of choice.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Liberty Commons, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Dr. Frank Snyder for taking good care of Shirley.
