Shirley Louise Loving Huffman

Shirley Huffman, 89, of  Loving Lane in Madison Heights, Virginia, went to be with Jesus on Monday, October 24, 2016.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Henry Huffman to whom she was married for 59 years until December 12, 2012. Born in Amherst County on September 15, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Elmer Hill and Helen Coffey Loving. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Elmer Hill Loving, Jr. and Robley D. Loving.

She is survived by her only son, Garland Marcus Huffman (Marc), and his wife, Kimberly Dawn Casey Huffman; three grandchildren, Jordan Brooke Best, age 24, Tori Alexis Huffman, age 22, and Jesse Cole Best, age 21, all born and raised in Madison Heights, Va. Also surviving are her three sisters, Dot Stinnett of Madison Heights, Vera Campbell and husband Edward of Madison Heights, and Helen Carroll of Portsmouth.  She also had a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Shirley had many friends, because to know her was to love her.

Shirley was known as “momma” to her only son, Marc, and “Grams” to Marc’s wife, Kim, who Shirley always thought of as her only daughter. Grams was very proud of her three grandchildren all of whom she was able to see grow up. Her oldest granddaughter, Jordan, graduated from Centra College of Nursing in 2014, and is a practicing Critical Care- Registered Nurse in Lynchburg. Tori graduated from Radford University in May of 2016, with high honors. She is now a Project Manager for Comcast, and Jesse age 21, Shirley’s only grandson, is currently finishing his last year at VCU. Shirley always enjoyed and looked forward to seeing and spending time with Marc and Kim and the three children that they raised together, under in part, her motherly influence, morals, values, and virtue.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was a lifetime member of Elon Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for a number of years. She was also an active member of the Women of the Church, serving as a Historian for the group.  She was a former member of the Elon Home Demonstration Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, sewing, and reading the Holy Bible. Shirley was fortunate enough to choose to stop working and stay home to raise Marc. During different times in her life she extended her heart to also help her sisters and provide childcare for her nieces and nephews. Grams was always willing to help others. She had a pure heart and a giving soul. This is just who she was. She never had a cross word to say about anyone. She was a virtuous woman who was obedient to her Lord, always willing to “turn the other cheek” in the face of any type of confrontation. She had a real sense of humor too. She was so much fun to watch when she was elated as she told stories of the past, causing everyone around her to laugh with her.

Shirley was always treated like a queen by her late husband, Garland.  Some would say they appeared to have a “story book romance”, one that most only dream of having. We would say that this is true. Till they very end of their marriage they were the epitome of a biblical marriage, always treating each other as if they were treating self! Let it be said as it is written: Ephesians 5:25-33 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his today! For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

Shirley and Garland’s love for each other was and is the epitome of these Holy Scriptures, which far surpasses the dream of a “story book romance”.

When Grams’ soul left her body and her home of over 50 years, having confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, her soul went to be with the Lord. She was sure without one doubt that Jesus was the only way to the Father, and a home in Heaven. She accepted the FREE GIFT of salvation understanding that it was not by works, but a free gift alone, and that anything else would be taking away from the GLORY of what Christ did on the cross at Calvary. The “fruits of the spirit” of the Lord were evident in the personal character that she displayed in her daily life. Grams really loved the Lord and her service to HIM and Church came after her acceptance of GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY.

Shirley, who was loved by all who knew her, was kind, soft spoken, compassionate and always thinking of others, often to the point of concern and worry.  Grams and Pops together should be exalted and forever praised due to the care they both provided to Marc’s granny, Helen Loving; both committed themselves to caring for her when she was no longer able to care and provide for herself. They solely cared for her every day and night for more than a decade and a half.

Their only son Marc, loved and honored his parents.  He has been blessed with the influence both provided to him as they raised him to become a man.  Marc is also filled with chivalry and treats his wife, Kim, like a queen. Just like Pops did Grams. Marc was the “apple of his mother’s eye.” He has become a God fearing man who is respected to all that the Lord wishes to be considered. She raised a son who worked and committed himself to a job of 25years. Now retired, he and his wife have opened their home to provide care and services to others. Shirley Huffman was a great mother who instilled values and morals in her son and the results speak for themself. Marc respected his mother’s wishes to never have to go to a nursing home. This was a great fear of her’s once Pop passed. Marc assured her that he would never put her anywhere she did not want to be. Grams died peacefully in her home just as she wanted.

When Grams could no longer care for herself she received 24-hour care at home. The family would like to thank and recognize Wanda Rose and her daughter, Pauline Younger, who both dedicated themselves to caring for Grams. Wanda started with Grams approximately three years ago and has stayed with her till the end. Both are to be exalted!

We would also like to thank the only hospice that any family could ever want to care for a loved one. Gentle Shepherd Hospice is the only CHRIST centered hospice in this area.  Their care shows that they are ultimately serving the LORD!  They arrived the very day we called, stayed four hours that first night.  They assured that she was comfortable and peaceful, and were a tremendous asset to all involved, but especially to Grams.

We extend thanks also, to Rev. “Mr. Barry Tucker” who was Grams’ minister for 30 years. Not only that, but he was a friend. He is a unique and special man of GOD. Many times over the years we have heard Grams and Pops praise and compliment Barry for his dedication to the church and to them as friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you to all others whose names may not be mentioned. We do appreciate all of the sentiments and deeds of your hearts.

Rest in peace Grams and enjoy your new life in heaven with Pops, your mom and dad, other friends, and especially the Lord! We hope this message sent out for all to see in honor of you and the virtuous woman you were pleases you. We love you and will see you again one day.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held today at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2016, at Elon Presbyterian Church in Madison Heights, Va. with the Rev. Barry Tucker officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.