Shirley Sutherland Gray, 83 of Myrtle Beach, formerly of Galax and Independence, Virginia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 27th.  Shirley was born on November 27, 1939, to Francis Ward Sutherland, and Hazel Roberts Sutherland in Comers Rock, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald Gray, her sister, Bettye Sutherland Franks, and her brother, Randall Sutherland.

Shirley was a graduate of Independence High School, Bluefield State University, and attended Radford Women's College (Radford University). She met and married Don, the love of her life and constant companion of 56 years.

Shirley was an educator and a true proponent of advancing all children to their greatest potential in life. After thirty-two years of teaching, she retired in 2001 from the Grayson County School System.

Shirley's true joy was her family. She enjoyed being a wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She enjoyed travelling with Don to many National Parks across the country. Shirley's happy place was living at the beach, shopping, and participating in church and community functions. Shirley is a devote Christian that enjoyed sharing her faith with others.

Shirley is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Elizabeth Gray of Danville, Virginia, a daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Jerome Mullins of Dublin, VA; three grandchildren, Claire and Joshua Hynson, Zachary Gray, Tammy and Domingo Reyes; and two great grandchildren, Desiree' and Paco Reyes.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel, Independence, Virginia with the Reverend Jerome Mullins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at the Comers Rock Cemetery in Comers Rock, Virginia.

Memorials may be sent to the Samaritans Purse PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607.  Condolences may be mailed to the Gray family at PO Box 1425, Dublin, VA 24084.