Shirley P. Craig, 83, passed away, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 at home after a long illness.

Born Dec. 25, 1930 in Chadron, Neb., she was the daughter of the late M.B. Posson and Roberta Chipperfield Posson.

While being raised on the family ranch in Nebraska, Cowgirl Shirley helped her father raise Purebread Hereford Cows and became quite the sharpshooter with her rifle. Shirley loved to reminisce of her adventures of riding her horse to school and through the beautiful hills and canyons around her home.

Shirley graduated from Chadron Prep in 1949. She attended Chadron State College for a couple of years and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1953 with a home economics degree.

Her first job was with Crosley Bendix as a home economist. Shirley then moved and worked for the Honolulu Gas Company in Honolulu, Hawaii where she was the host of a cooking show. While in Hawaii, she met Lt. J. Edward Craig Jr.  They married in Hawaii in 1957 and remained married for 56 years.

Shirley was proud to be a Navy wife and very successful in fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities the position required. Shirley’s greatest pride and joy was raising their four children. The Craigs moved many times throughout the years and settled in Gibson Island, Md. after Ed retired from the Navy in 1972.  Ed and Shirley moved to Mildenhall, England in 1985 and finally retired in Tryon in 1999.

Shirley was a talented artist and avid gardener. She would beam with joy when playing the piano and singing. She loved to travel and was grateful for her many extensive adventures around the world with Ed, family and friends.

Shirley always had a big, cheerful smile, a twinkle in her eyes and laughter in her voice. She was well-known for her sense of humor, generosity and kind heart. She was truly one of the sweetest people one could have ever met. Shirley was always there to lend a helping hand to a friend, the church, a good cause and even a stranger.

Even though our beautiful little “social butterfly” has flown on to grace other pastures, the footprints she left on this earth are permanent and forever.

Shirley was a long time member of the Gibson Island Garden Club, Junior League of Annapolis, Md., Springfield, Va. and Jacksonville, Fla., a member of the Green Blade Garden Club in Tryon, and a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon.

Affectionately know as our little jewel, “Pearl,” she will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her husband J. Edward Craig Jr. of Tryon; children, Camlyn (Neil) Brown of South Africa, Melisa (Michael) Hampton of Yankton, SD., John E. Craig lll of Chadron, Neb. and Bethanie Craig of Tryon; grandchildren, Nathan Brown of Tryon, Walter (Joni) Hampton of Alliance, Neb., Jillian (Eric) Kotalik of Yankton, SD., Madison Craig and Emelee Craig of Chadron, Neb. and Sturgis, S.D.; and great-grandson, Jerry Hampton of Alliance, Neb.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722. A special “Thank You” to all the staff at Hospice who took wonderful care of Shirley and her family.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will occur at a later date.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.