Shirley Bradbury Carlson

Maggie Valley, NC—Shirley Ann Carlson, age 93, native of Leroy, IL died peacefully on the afternoon of Jan 9th. She was widowed by her husband of 53 years, James J. Carlson, in September 2005. 

She is survived by her seven children and their spouses Matthew (Diane) Carlson, Jamie (Patrick) Flanagan, Stacey (widow of Sumpter) Daniel, Shannon (Joe) Polak, Paul (Leanne) Carlson, Theresa Carlson, Mary Claire (Michael) McGarity, 25 loving grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren. Shirley has one living sibling, her sister Helen (Dean) Cortright of Urbana, IL. 

Shirley worked as a registered nurse while she and her husband raised their large family in the suburbs of both Chicago and Atlanta. After empty nesting for a few years in Rock Hill, SC, Shirley and Jim retired to in the mountains of Maggie Valley, NC in 2002. 

Shirley has been a faithful parishioner of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Maggie Valley for over 20 years. Shirley was an avid reader whose singing voice was admired by many. She was totally devoted to her country and loved to play cards and work crossword puzzles. She remained remarkably healthy throughout her entire 93 years. She surrounded herself with family & friends. Her vivacious personality and contagious laugh will be missed by all who knew her. Shirley was truly blessed by God to have lived such a long and fruitful life. 

A funeral Mass will be offered for Shirley on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Maggie Valley to be officiated by Rev. Dr. W. Beckett Soule, OP.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Margaret's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1359, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. 

The care of Ms. Carlson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville