Shirley Marie McCarthy Wheeler

ASHEBORO – Shirley Marie (McCarthy) Wheeler, 90, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Shirley was born on May 4, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Harry and Agnes (Gallacher) McCarthy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bud” Lee Wheeler; her three sisters, Maureen, Peggy, and Agnes; and her daughters-in-law, Sue Wheeler and Pam Wheeler.

Shirley and Bud married in 1953 and shared 71 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and frequent playful banter. Together, they built a life centered on family and created a home where everyone was welcome. Many who entered as friends soon became family.

Shirley's deep faith was a guiding force throughout her life and was reflected in her kindness, generosity, and devotion to others. Raised Catholic, she remained devoted to her faith and later became a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Shirley worked for many years as a nursing assistant at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where her natural compassion and desire to care for others were evident in her work. In retirement, she and Bud moved to Asheboro, North Carolina, where Shirley continued serving others as a dedicated volunteer at Randolph Hospital Cancer Center for many years.

Above all, Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her greatest joy in caring for others and bringing people together. Christmas and Easter were especially dear to her heart, and her home was often bursting at the seams with family and friends, yet there was always room for one more. From Easter egg hunts to making sure every guest had a little something waiting beneath the Christmas tree, Shirley went out of her way to make everyone feel remembered, welcomed, and loved.

Affectionately known as “Granny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shirley was just as quick to invite their friends to call her Granny, too. To Shirley, family was never defined solely by blood or marriage, but by the love and care shared between people. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel they belonged.

Shirley enjoyed camping, traveling, playing games, taking walks, and exploring a good dime store or thrift shop, which she affectionately called “junk stores.” She loved cooking and baking, especially her famous Jewish apple cakes, and no one could stop by her home without being offered a snack or a meal. Her sense of humor, cheerful outlook, and ability to find the bright side of nearly any situation brought comfort and laughter to those around her.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Brenda Fales (Tom); and sons, Robert “Bob” Wheeler, Jr., and Bryan Wheeler. She was a loving grandmother to Kimberly (Tony), Troy (Jenn), Adam (Amber), Lisa, Amanda, and William (Jess); and a proud great-grandmother to Kristen, Tim, Ryan, Josh, Charlie, Autumn, and Natalie.

A funeral service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, November 28 at 12:00. All who knew and loved Shirley are warmly invited to attend.

Shirley's life was a beautiful example of kindness, generosity, faith, and unconditional love. She had a gift for recognizing life's blessings, finding the good in others, and bringing people together. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the traditions she created, and the family, both by blood and by love, that she brought together. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Randolph Hospice House, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, (both in Asheboro, NC 27203) or an organization of your choice.