Millinocket, Maine - Shirley Ann Perry passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, June 27, 2025. Shirley was born in Belle, WV, on September 11, 1935, and was a true "Southern Belle."

She was one of three daughters (along with Ella and Barbara) of Waldo and Velma Morton. Her family moved to Beaufort, SC, after she graduated from high school, where she met the love of her life, Byron, a marine stationed at Parris Island. They married within months and shared 63 years together until he passed in March 2020. They established their home in Millinocket, in the Perry homestead, and raised their family there. She remained close to her Southern roots and took many trips back to South Carolina to spend time with her family. She enjoyed some good old-fashioned southern hospitality and wonderful southern cooking.

Family, faith and friends were the center of Shirley's life. Nothing made her happier than having all her family together, talking, laughing, and creating lasting family bonds. She had an incredibly strong faith and was continually praying for her family and anyone who needed it. She was a great listener, comforter, and supporter, and touched the lives of many, many people.

She enjoyed socializing and fellowshipping and loved bible studies, church, and being part of groups like the 'flying nuns' and Red Hatters. She also loved visiting with friends on her back porch. She was the matriarch of her family, a strong role model, the glue that kept everyone close, and someone everyone loved and cherished. She will be forever remembered, always loved, and will eternally hold a special place in the hearts of her family and friends.

Shirley is in heaven reuniting with her beloved husband of 63 years, Byron; her sisters, Ella and Bobbi; her parents, Waldo and Velma Morton; and many other friends, family, and angels. Her children, James (ex, Cindy), Byron Jr. (Cheryl), and Tanya; grandchildren, Wesley (Annie), Derrick (Kyia), and Jordan (Nicole); great-grandson, Tyler; great-granddaughters, Oaklyn, Emmy and Felicity; very special great-great-granddaughter, Raelynn; along with many precious nieces and nephews; and special friends, will forever treasure the gift of having her in their lives and are so grateful she belonged to us. Our family is forever grateful for the care and compassion she received over the last few months from the incredible staff at Millinocket Regional Hospital and Beacon Hospice, especially Jess, who is a true angel here on earth.

Services will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks. Gifts in memory of Shirley may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse.