Shirley Long Meachum

Wadesboro – Mrs. Shirley Long Meachum, age 84, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, Jesus, on August 15, 2021, at Carrington Place Nursing Home in Matthews, NC having finished the course of her courageous and fruitful life.

Shirley was born on February 16, 1937, in McFarlan, NC to Molly Jordan Long and Morman Long and was raised along with her two sisters and three brothers in the rural farming communities of southern Anson County. An honor graduate of Morven High School, Shirley excelled at women’s basketball and playing the piano. Following her marriage to Davis J. Meachum of Wadesboro Shirley traveled extensively over a twenty-plus year time-period in support of her husband’s career in the U.S. Army to many military bases on the east coast, including overseas postings to France, Germany twice, England, Turkey, and Iran.

As a wife and mother of her daughter, Ramona, and two sons, David and Stephen, Shirley masterfully juggled her time to take on a working career in the administrative offices of several army posts and the phone company in Columbus, GA. One of Shirley’s fondest work memories with “Ma Bell” was handling a series of long-distance calls for the “Duke”, the actor John Wayne, during filming of the movie, “The Green Beret” at Fort Benning, GA. She often spoke of Mr. Wayne’s gentlemanly phone etiquette. For her part, Shirley received multiple commendations for her work.

Having settled in Anson County after her husband’s retirement from the military, Shirley continued her working career as an administrative assistant for an insurance company before moving on to become the long-time assistant to Wadesboro’s premiere dentist, Dr. Robert Bridger, eventually retiring from public work life to provide full time home care for her mother.

In addition to her roles as a wife, mother, administrative assistant and ultimately caregiver, Shirley loved Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and served Him faithfully. She was deeply involved in her local church, taught Sunday School classes, led youth groups and played the piano and organ for church services. She also showed great love and compassion to others in the community by caring for the elderly, supporting widows, providing holiday outings for foster children, and leading in the Cub Scout program. Shirley was an exceptional cook and pastry chef, creating her own cookbook of amazing recipes and collecting over 200 other volumes. A fervent volunteer Hospice of Anson County, Shirley served as editor of the Hospice Cookbook fundraising project. Shirley was seldom idle and often used her “down” time to create needlework caps, scarves, and other gifts for Hospice patients. In her later years, Shirley immersed herself in studying and researching the Meachum and Long family history and heritage, culminating in tracing the roots of both family trees back to mother England.

Shirley possessed a bright and energetic personality and was known for her ability to making lasting friendships. She was also known for being fiercely protective of her family, friends, and all that she loved. Shirley touched many lives with her generosity and passion for life.

Shirley is survived by her dear younger sister, Helen Davidson of Charlotte; her brother, John Long of Wadesboro; her devoted daughter, Ramona Masterton of Charlotte; her son, David Meachum of Peachland; and her son, Stephen Meachum of Belmont; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, August 21st with visitation starting at 11:00am and the service at 12:00 Noon at Leavitt Funeral Home, Wadesboro, NC. Interment will follow at Anson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be in Shirley’s honor to Hospice of Anson County or of Union County, at 919 East Caldwell St, Wadesboro, NC 28170. To express condolences please visit the Leavitt Funeral Home website at www.leavittfh.com.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all of Shirley’s caregivers at Carrington Place Nursing Home, especially her Hospice Nurse, Mattie Simpson. Without exception, the entire staff of Carrington displayed incredible care and compassion during the length of Shirley’s residency.