Obituary: Shirley Ann Lait

Shirley Ann Lait passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her husband off 55 years, Ray N. Lait. She is survived by her daughter, LeeAnn (John) Claflin; sons, Alan (Susan), Mike (Casey) and Jack (Cindy); grandchildren, Liz, Brett, Brittany, Michael, Leah, Sarah and Jensen; and great-grandchildren, Tessa, David, Charlie, Emma, Reese, Bodhi, Dillard and James.

Shirley was born in Wichita, Kansas, on March 1, 1930. She moved with her family to San Angelo, Texas, where she graduated from high school and then on to Long Beach, California, where she attended Long Beach Community College. After a whirlwind romance, she married Ray on April 7, 1951, in Long Beach.

Shirley was a child of the Depression, a self-proclaimed tomboy who loved sports and the outdoors. She was an animal lover and avid reader. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor, always ready to listen and lend a helping hand. She had a beautiful smile and never met a stranger! Shirley was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was totally involved with her family and the biggest fan of all her children and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, at the Winter Garden Cemetery. Pastor Rusty Belcher will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Carolina Veterinary Assistance and Adoption Group, 394 Cook Florist Road, Reidsville, NC 27320; cvaag.org. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden, is assisting the family.