Shirley Jean Tart Earp

Shirley Jean Tart Earp

April 14, 1943 – March 21, 2025

Wendell – Shirley Jean Tart Earp, 81, of Wendell, passed away March 21, 2025. She was born April 14, 1943, in Wake Co., to the late James Alcy Tart and Matha Lee Tart.

Shirley was raised on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work from a young age. As a child, she tended to cotton and tobacco, and later, she became a devoted farmer’s wife. Her life was centered around her deep love for her family. Shirley cherished her children and grandchildren and worked tirelessly to provide for them with devotion and care.

A true lover of good food, Shirley was an exceptional cook who took great pride in passing down her beloved recipes. She loved to eat and shared her joy for cooking with her family. She also had a natural green thumb and spent many hours in her garden, cultivating the produce she treasured. Shirley took special joy in canning the riches of her garden, including butterbeans, corn, tomatoes, pickles, and beets. When she wasn’t tending to her garden, she could often be found admiring the beauty of her flowers.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Pam Earp, Donna Hollifield (Jamie), and Tina O’Neal (Wayne); son, Robert Earp (Pam); brothers, Horace Tart, Morris Tart, and Warren Tart; sister, Debbie Gray; and grandchildren, Tyler Stallings, Austin Hollifield, Brittany Hollifield, and Paul O’Neal. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Earl Earp.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Central Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Glen Brock will officiate.

Flowers are welcomed.

Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell.  www.stricklandfuneral.com