Mary Ellen Abbott Shirley, 83, of Clayton died Monday, June 15, at
Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield.Born Feb. 21, 1926, in Wake County, Mrs. Shirley was a daughter of the
late Barney B. and Lucie Evans Abbott. She was the widow of Edward
Vance Shirley.A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, in the
Price Cemetery.Surviving are her daughter, Deborah J. Shirley of the home; three sons,
Harold S. Shirley of Saratoga, Jerry W. Shirley of Smithfield and
Ashley L. Shirley of Wendell; three brothers, Bob Abbott and Chester
Abbott, both of Selma, and Clarence Abbott of Tarboro; two sisters,
Nancy Stallings of Goldsboro and Esther Anderson of Zebulon; four
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.The family will receive friends from 7 till 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 17,
at Parrish Funeral Home, 1351 S. Pollock St., Selma.Condolences to the family may be made at www.parrishfh.com.