Shirley Duncan McCleney, 88, of Chadbourn, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Shirley was born in Columbus County on November 27, 1937 to the late William A. Duncan and Sally Little Duncan.  In addition she is preceded in death by her husband; Rev. Hubert McCleney; siblings, Margaret Davis, Bonnie Bryant, Robert "Bobby" Duncan, Bill Duncan, Sadie Penny, Marcella Ward, and Macie King. 

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Piney Forest Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening at Worthington Funeral Home.

Shirley served as an devout educator in the public school system for over 40 years. In addition to her teaching career, Shirley served as a faithful pastor's wife, alongside her husband, Pastor Hubert. In 2015 Shirley received the Governor’s Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. She and her husband Hubert have also been recognized for over 35 years of service to Operation Christmas Child. 

Survivors include two sons, Hubert Mitchell McCleney (Becky) of Evergreen, William Brian McCleney (Emily) of Chadbourn; grandchildren, Ryan McCleney (Meagan), Joshua McCleney, Austin McCleney, Abby McCleney, Emma Grace McCleney, Daniel Britt (Morgan), Lauren Wayland (Nicholas); great-grandchildren, Harper McCleney, Eli McCleney, Luke McCleney, Mabry Britt, Jones Britt, John Noah Wayland, Leah Blake Wayland, and Mary Ella Wayland; niece, Mary D. Breeden of Richmond, VA; sister in law, Frances Hart (Bruce).

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child or to the Piney Forest Baptist Church building fund.