Shirley Efird

Shirley Jean Clark Efird, 90, of Oakboro, passed away on September 24, 2025. She was born on March 15, 1935, in Stanly County to the late John Martin Clark and Sarah Lula Elizabeth Smith Clark. Shirley devoted her life to caring for others and faithfully serving the Lord. She was born and raised local to "Frog Pond" NC, and then went on to work as a caretaker at Pleasant Grove and later served as the director of the preschool at St. Martin's Lutheran Church. She was a devoted sister, wife, and mother who gave her deepest love to her family, especially in her years of caring for her late son Todd, and her husband Larry. Her greatest joy came from being a mom to Todd and Wendi, and then becoming a "Na-Na" to her grandchildren, Lauren and Darin, the loves of her life. She and "Paw-Paw" cherished hosting "Cowboy Camp" during the summer, where crafts, cooking, and outdoor fun created some of her fondest memories with the grandchildren. Shirley also enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, laying in the sun, going on walks around the church, tending to her houseplants, and she had a special knack and knowledge of natural remedies. She loved working puzzles, watching westerns, and classic TV shows like The Andy Griffith Show. She treasured her friendships through the "Golden Girls" activity group and spent decades faithfully attending her Sunday School class at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church which drew lifelong friendships. Shirley also held the special honor of being the first person baptized in the baptistry after it was built at Pleasant Grove. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Wendi Mock and husband Butch, along with her grandchildren, Lauren (Brandon) and Darin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and her son, Todd. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 30, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Oakboro, with burial following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, at the church. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Oakboro, NC. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.