January 4, 1937 – June 7, 2022
ZEBULON – Shirley Ann Upchurch Liles, 85, passed away Tuesday. She was born in Zebulon to the late Will & Betty Mozelle Strickland Upchurch, Jr.. Ann was born and raised on the Upchurch Farm and enjoyed her childhood having fond memories of happy times with all her extended family. She graduated from Wakelon High School in 1955, where she met her high school sweetheart then husband, the late Larry “Pete” Liles. They had 3 children together that they adored, Debbie, Betty Ann, and Larry Liles, Jr.. Ann enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Ann was devoted to her community. She volunteered for many civic clubs and organizations, winning many accolades. She was an active member of the Zebulon Woman’s Club for 45 years. She was a four-time recipient of the Club Woman with Heart Award, awarded Club Woman of the Year & GFWC District 6 Club Woman of the Year in 2000, and the Citizenship Award of the Club in 2014. Ann was a founding member of Friends of Wakelon for 20 years and served as their treasurer.
Ann lived her life centered around her faith, love, friendship, and family. She was the happiest when surrounded by her family and friends. She embraced life and loved living in her hometown of Zebulon, NC. She embodied the Town’s motto in her own life as the “The Town of Friendly People.”
She was very happy to have been awarded Citizen of the Year in 2015 by her beloved town of Zebulon. Ann was a lifelong member of Wakefield Central Baptist Church. She will be lovingly remembered by many for her friendship, devotion, as well as her sweet & humble spirit.
Funeral 10 am, Saturday, Wakefield Central Baptist Church, 308 Proctor St., Zebulon. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens.
Ann is survived by her children, Larry D. Liles, Jr., Betty Ann Gurley (Hal), Debra Liles; grandchildren, Angie Denton (Jeff), Candice Halley, Alana Liles, Steven Liles, Brittany Liles; great grandchildren, Avery Denton, Kason Liles, Rebecca Liles; step grandchildren, Kelsey Clark (Larry), Kassidy Denton (Angie), and step great grandchildren, Madison, and Maya (Kelsey).
Visitation 7-8:30 pm, Friday, Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell & other times at the home. www.stricklandfuneral.com
2 Comments
My love and prayers are with all of the family at this time of loss and sorrow. She leaves a sweet memory . ..Jean Hunt and family
Thank you for your kind words. She is truly missed and loved.
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