Shirley Narron Thomas

1936 - 2025

Shirley Narron Thomas Nashville - Shirley Narron Thomas, age 89, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Born in Nash County, NC on April 2, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Russell Pridgen and Bessie Lucille Narron. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Thomas, Sr.

Shirley was a longtime member of Shenandoah Baptist Church, after attending several other area churches, and played a special role in helping to start Swelton Heights Church, where her love for the Lord and for her community was evident. She found joy in serving and was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

A woman of many talents, Shirley loved quilting and spent countless hours creating pieces that will be cherished for years to come. She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of working puzzles and playing bingo, which often brought laughter and fun to those around her.

Her family will fondly remember her for the warmth she poured into her cooking. Her salmon cakes, stew beef, and cornbread were beloved staples that brought everyone together at the table, creating memories filled with love and comfort.

Shirley's legacy is one of kindness, faith, and devotion to her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Joanne Betty Thomas Harts; son, James "Jim" Henry Thomas, Jr. (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Michael Langley Thomas (Beth), Brandon Scott Thomas, Sarah Danielle Thomas, Dallas Connelly Harts, William Farrington Dunn (Lindsay); great - grandchildren, Kayla Marie Thomas, McKenzie Lynn Thomas, Paisley Grace Thomas, Landon James Thomas, Jacob Andrew Balance, Payton Elizabeth Dunn, Ava Kaylin Dunn, Jaxon Wayne Dunn; brother, Marvin Pridgen (Barnae).

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Tim Parker officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday August 21, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made in Shirley's memory to Shenandoah Baptist Church - Youth Group, 3894 Shenandoah Court, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214-0800

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.