Shirley Phillips Edwards of Judge Rd., Tryon, N.C., passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 in the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, N.C. 

She was born in Polk County, on December 1, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Jess Alexander Phillips and Maude McCurry Phillips. Shirley graduated from Tryon High School where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. She started her banking career at Landrum Bank and continued with Tryon Bank & Trust, NCNB, Nations Bank, and retired from Bank of America.  

She was a member and past secretary of the Magnolia Garden Club, an active member of the ladies auxiliary of the Tryon Fire Department, and a longtime member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Tryon.  

She was a very active member of Tryon First Baptist Church where she served as assistant treasurer for many years and served on the bereavement and historical committees as well as a choir member. She spread her love of Christ to all who knew her, especially her family.  

At the time of her death, she was survived by her husband of 62 years, Fred Edwards, Sr. and also a brother, Jack Phillips. Her husband, Fred Edwards, Sr. passed away on August 17, 2017, and her brother, Jack Phillips passed away on July 18, 2017. 

Surviving are two sons, Fred Edwards, Jr. (Phyliss) of Lake Lure, N.C. and Phillip Edwards (Paula) of Columbus, N.C. Also surviving are the loves of her life, her four grandchildren, Wilson Edwards, Jonathon Edwards, Alex Tapp, and Miranda Stacy, and one great granddaughter, Annabelle Stacy.  

Shirley was also preceded in death by two brothers, Melvin Phillips and Floyd Phillips, and one sister, Helen Rodgers. 

Services were held Sunday, July 9, 2017 in Tryon First Baptist Church with Dr. Jeff Harris and Mr. Phil Scoggins officiating.  

Memorials may be made to Tryon First Baptist Church Bereavement Fund, P.O. Box 1287, Tryon, N.C. 28782, or The Elizabeth House, 581 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, N.C. 28731. 

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

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory 

Tryon, N.C.