Shirley Gupton Acree, 73, of Salem , VA passed away Friday, May 23, 2008, after a courageous five - year battle with lung cancer. She was born December 17, 1934, in Warren County, NC, daughter of the late Robert Capps Gupton and Louise Harris Gupton. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Milton Reid Acree, Sr. on May 2, 2008, and joined him 3 weeks to the day following his death; and a daughter, Audrey Ann Acree. Shirley was known by all who loved her to be a gregarious, spirited and feisty individual! She was a home maker and worked as an office manager for Dillon Supply in Rocky Mount , NC and for Stout Door Company in Salem , VA for 9 years. She was a faithful member of Salem Baptist Church since 1961 where she served in various capacities over the years as president of the Women’s Missionary Union, kept the nursery, coordinated Communion, chair of the food service committee and was a member of the Mildred Ball Sunday School Class. She graduated from John Graham High School in Warrenton , NC where she played high school basketball and then attended East Carolina University . She enjoyed playing tennis and loved ACC sports. She was a member of Friendship Garden Club and the Novel Book Club. Shirley was a very active parent while Reid was growing up and was very involved in both his academics and athletics throughout his life. She was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables, was a master bridge player and was a member of several local bridge clubs. She is survived by her son, M. Reid Acree, Jr. and wife Tina; and sister, Bonnie Gupton. She was blessed to have a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and always valued her family. She loved her neighbors and considered them family. A memorial service will be conducted at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at Salem Baptist Church with Rev. Everett Kier officiating. Interment will be held at a later day at Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery in Warren County, North Carolina. Her husband will also be interred at that time. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Acree’s name to Salem Rescue Squad, Inc., PO Box 1754 , Salem , VA 24153 , Salem Baptist Church , 103 N. Broad Street, Salem, VA 24153 or to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 2129 Highway 43, Warrenton, NC 27589. The family would like to thank special caregivers, Mert and Rose Ralston and the 2 West staff of Richfield Retirement Community for their outstanding and loving care of Shirley and for being a part of her extended family during the last eight months of her life. Online condolences may be made at www.johnmoakey.com. The Acree family is being served by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem , 540-389-5441.

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