Shirley Ann Fletcher

1/15/1945 - 4/28/2024

Oakdale - Shirley Ann (Clarke) Fletcher, of 39, of Turner Road, Oakdale, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 28, 2024, while in her home and surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of love among friends and family who will miss her more than words can express. Shirley was born Jan. 15, 1945, in Raleigh, N.C., the daughter of Catherine (Clarke) Fletcher (late-wife of stepfather Walter) of Camden, S.C., and the late Leroy Higgins. She spent her first eight years in Raleigh, followed by six years in Detroit, Mich., which she remembered fondly. At the age of 14, she moved to Connecticut where she remained, received her formal education, and worked as a certified nurse's aide for over 20 years, retiring in 2007.

In 1964, Shirley married her husband of nearly 60 years, James W. Fletcher. Together they raised four children who survive her: Lisa (Fletcher) Dunston (Claude) of Durham, N.C., Sheila (Fletcher) Stanley (Shaun) of Raleigh, N.C., James A. Fletcher of Jewett City, and Peter C. Fletcher of Oakdale. Over the years, they were blessed with six grandchildren who also survive her: Alexis Stanley, Ashleigh Stanley, William Stanley, Morgan (Dunston) McNeill (Devin), April (Dunston) Snowden (Nathan) and Tyler Dunston, all of whom reside in North Carolina; and two great-grandchildren, Devin McNeill Jr. and Kynnedy McNeill.

In addition to her husband James and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Shirley is survived by her stepfather Walter; her brother Walter Leo Fletcher of Houston, Texas; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly. She is predeceased by her parents, Catherine and Leroy; her beloved great-aunt Amanda Elleby; her brothers, Steven and Adam; and her sister Gwen (Fletcher) Camby.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. with a funeral service starting at 5 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Road, Uncasville. A private Interment will be Monday at Maplewood Cemetery. Service entrusted to the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home.