Shirley Faye (Sutton) Oates

Clinton,

Shirley Faye Sutton Oates, 85, of Clinton, NC passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 19th.  Shirley was born on December 30th, 1935 to the late Festus Sutton and Sallie Harrell Sutton Daughtry.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Harold Oates, son Curt Oates, her brothers Curtis and Charlie Sutton, her sister Carlese Sutton Herring, and brother-in-law James Grady Herring.

Shirley was a 1953 graduate of Clinton High School and continued her education receiving a diploma from Crumpler Secretarial School in Goldsboro.  She worked for many years at L&M Manufacturing before the opportunity arose for her to go into business for herself.  She became a contractor for the Division of Motor Vehicles where she owned and operated the License Plate Agency in Clinton.  She loved serving the community and even received special recognition from the NC Lieutenant Governor in 1992 for her service to the State of North Carolina.

Shirley was very involved in politics as a member of the Sampson County Republican Party.  She loved campaigning for local candidates and staying up late watching election results come in.  She attended several state and national conventions and inaugurations as well.  She was competitive by nature and also enjoyed playing sports.  As a young girl she played basketball and later on was the pitcher for the Jordan Shopping Center softball team as part of the Clinton City League. She was also a sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the UNC basketball and football teams even though the rest of her family were NC State fans.

She is survived by her granddaughter Holly Oates-Barker and her husband Will Barker of Wilmington, and her daughter-in-law Debbie Tyndall of the home.  She is also survived by sisters-in-law Linda Hyatt and Carolyn Sutton; nieces Pam Sutton, Lynn King (David), and Judy Witherington (Ty); nephew, Woody Sutton; and many great nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind family friend and caregiver Linda Herring of Clinton.

The family would like to thank the Rowan Baptist Men for building a ramp at her home so she could continue to get out for her weekly beauty shop appointment and Bojangles visits which she enjoyed so much.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to the team at Community Home Health and Hospice for their expert care and dedication over the last few months.  This is especially true of her nurse Carol who we are so grateful for her sincere compassion, care, and most of all for treating “Granny Shirley” like family.  

Due to concerns about the transmission of COVID-19, the family will not be receiving people at the home. Friends and family are invited to Crumpler Honeycutt Funeral home for a viewing Wednesday, September 22nd from 10am-5pm.  A graveside funeral service will be held at Clinton Cemetery on Thursday, September 23rd at 10am with the Reverend Clay Carter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Baptist Men of Rowan Baptist Church located at 701 Rowan Road, Clinton, NC 28328.  All money donated will go towards their efforts in support of the Sampson County Child Advocacy Center which will help local children in the community.

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