Shirley Joanne Mabe

Shirley Mabe, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Ancora/Gibson House Compassionate Care in Reidsville, N.C.

Shirley was born in Marengo, Ohio to the late Charles Mitchell Robertson and Bernice Marie Robertson.

Shirley was raised on a beautiful farm on Route 229. She was a true country girl. She enjoyed helping her family with the many chores that come with living on a farm. Shirley graduated from Sparta School in 1959. As a homemaker, she was blessed with seven children before joining the work force. She worked in the furniture industry until she retired. She was raised in the Sparta Methodist Church. After moving to North Carolina in 1963 she continued her Christian walk in the Baptist church and loved singing in the choir. In her later years, her favorite hobby was crocheting lap blankets for those in hospitals and nursing homes.

She was preceded in death by her three husbands, Gene Nelson, Barney Livengood and Johnny Mabe. As well as siblings, Richard Robertson, Jesse Robertson, Richard Pound, Marlene Robertson, Beverly Blubaugh and Evelyn Feustel.

Shirley is survived by her sons and one daughter, Thomas Nelson (Stephanie) of Pfafftown, NC, Ronald Nelson of Eden, NC, Sandra Nelson Altamirano (Jose) of Westfield, NC, Joseph Nelson (Shelby) of Oak Ridge, NC, Jeffery Nelson (Janet) of Victoria, Texas, Wesley Nelson of Stoneville, NC and John Livengood of Madison, NC. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Harold Robertson, Ralph Robertson (Sharon), both of Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

Many thanks to the staff at Ancora/Gibson House. It was a blessing to the family that she was accepted with open arms to this facility. The staff took excellent care of her and provided tremendous support to the family.

A graveside service will be held at the Bloomfield Cemetery, Sparta, Ohio on September 26th, 2025, at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Ancora/Gibson House Compassionate Care, 2150 NC Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320.

To send the family a condolence online visit: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

The Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley Mabe.