Shirley Anita Cleary

Shirley Bates Cleary, 85, passed away December 1, 2023 in Beckley, WVa after an extended illness. Mrs. Cleary was born in Norton, Va on December 3, 1937. 

Shirley leaves behind her husband of 46 years, Earnest Cleary, of Beckley. Also surviving are her three sons Terry L. Roop of Surfside Beach, SC; Jeffrey L. Roop, Norton, Va; and Geno Roop, Salem, Va. Shirley is also survived by a brother Sonny Bates of McLeansville, NC and Bill Bates of Medford, Mass, 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and countless other beloved and very dear friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Emory Vermont Bates and Elsie Jane McGlothin Bates; her four brothers, Bob Bates, Jerry V. bates, Freddy Bates, and Jimmy D. Bates; her three sisters Joan Hamilton, Fredia McAmis, and Janice Mullins.

Shirley loved her family and children and was totally committed to them. She spent her entire life in service to the public and others while along the way enhancing and bettering the lives of hundreds of people.

Shirley spent the first half of her life living in Norton, Va and the latter half living in Beckley, WVa. Shirley began her working career as a carhop and later as a cook at the old Steak and Shake drive-in restaurant in West Norton. Later, she went to cosmetology school and became a hairdresser both in Norton and in Beckley for decades. Shirley truly enjoyed her work.

Shirley was a great cook and loved to share the meals she prepared with as many people as possible. She loved to give and receive cards, any kind of card, for all occasions and any season. She loved babies - all babies. She would often approach people with babies anywhere, stranger or not, and want to hug, kiss, and talk sweet to them. Shirley especially loved Christmas and often said she wished she could buy everyone a Christmas present. Shirley loved her church and church family. She went to church consistently, regardless of her physical condition. She would often say if I can just make it to church, I can make it through the day and the week ahead.

But most importantly of all, Shirley loved God! She was totally focused, committed, and prioritized her Christian walk.  
Our matriarch has fallen from the family tree and she says grieve not for me.  Remember the best times, the laughter and songs, the good life I lived while I was strong.  

The family will receive friends from 6pm - 8pm Wednesday, December 6, at her home church, Glen White Church of God in Glenn White, WVa. Funeral services will be conducted at 12pm on Thursday, December 7, at the Glen White Church of God with her pastor, Jesse A. Farley and her very dear friend Joe Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 450 Courthouse Road, Princeton, WVa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Glen White Church of God, PO Box 307, Mabscott, WVa 25871 In Shirley’s name.

Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley is in charge of all funeral arrangements.