Shirley Jean Mason

1945 - 2021

MASON, Shirley Jean, 76, of Amelia, Va., passed away on October 17, 2021, surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Mecklenburg, North Carolina on July 11, 1945 to the late John W. Fincher and Mary E. Fincher; Shirley was also preceded in death by her brother, Benjamin "Benny" C. Fincher. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carl "Ikey" L. Mason Sr.; their sons, Carl "Ike" L. Mason Jr., Dwayne C. Mason and Christopher "Shane" S. Mason; grandchildren, Drew Mason, Cody Mason, Grace Mason, Carlee Mason and Audrey Feldpausch; great-grandsons, Zane Mason and Kayden Willis; her sisters, Clara "Elaine" Adkins, Nancy Fincher Yates and Linda Marie Johnson; brother, Fred Willard Flynn; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Shirley was a hard worker who retired from Chesterfield County, where she drove a school bus from 1985 to 2005. She prided herself on being able to drive her son and grandson to school, while also being part Owner/Operator of Liberty Valance Restaurant. Shirley was a loving wife and mother who loved her family and friends and was a kind soul that would help anyone and would defend them fiercely. She was a compassionate soul that loved all animals and rescued many, including her beloved horses. Shirley had a lot of "Southern Hospitality." When you came by to visit, you would be greeted by her captivating laugh and smile and you could not leave until you were fed. If you were lucky, the biscuits weren't scorched and you got some of those blueberry pancakes, just ask son, Dwayne or niece, Julie. She loved taking trips to the beach, any beach, but Florida beaches in particular, so much that she moved there for 10 years, before coming home to Virginia. She loved to dance and teaching her sisters was a fond memory. She loved going to "American Bandstand," Beach music, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash and especially Elvis. She was an avid adversary playing cards and loved Rummy and Rook. She had so many special and unique qualities that those who knew her I'm sure are thinking of a memory now. She will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing her.

The family is planning to have a "Celebration of Life" at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Amelia County Animal Shelter.