Shirley Marie Owens

Shirley Marie Breeding Owens, 86, of Hurt passed away July 15, 2025, at Gretna Health and Rehabilitation in Gretna, VA, due to complications from a fall.

She was born July 6, 1939, to the late George and Effie Jackson Breeding, in Davenport, VA. She was married to Benny Owens, who passed away in 2004.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her brothers, Charlie and Clyde Breeding, and a sister, Ola Gay Fletcher.

She is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Mayhew and son-in-law Robert, Green Mountain NC, and a son, David Owens, Mebane, NC; grandson, Daniel Mayhew and wife Jennifer, Luray, VA; step-great-granddaughter, Caitlynn Lucas, Luray, VA; and a sister, Linda Church, Davenport, VA.

Shirley was a graduate of Council High School and Emory & Henry College, valedictorian at both. She worked as a public-school elementary teacher. In the 1970s, she owned and taught at Humpty Dumpty Kindergarten in Siler City, NC. She always treasured seeing her former students over the years. In 1983, her husband purchased a business in Altavista, VA, Vista Apparel, where she assisted with administration. That business was later sold and a new business, Eagle Pointe, was started in Huddleston, VA, where she managed the office.

In her retirement years, she enjoyed crafts, especially crocheting. She especially enjoyed keeping up with her family with long phone chats. She was of the Methodist faith.

The family wishes to give special thanks to a caring friend, Sue Bowling. Also, gratitude to the staff of Gretna Health and Rehabilitation.

The family will receive friends from 1 pm until 2 pm on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in the Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service chapel. Burial will be private and held in the Larkin Breeding Cemetery in Davenport, VA.

Expressions of sympathy may be made on the Combs-Hess Funeral Service Facebook page and our website at www.chfunerals.com. Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service, 291 Hwy 71 Fincastle Road, Lebanon, VA 24266, (276) 889-4444.