In the quiet, rural community of Burnt House, West Virginia, the name Shirley Mae Mason resonated with warmth, dedication, and an unyielding spirit that touched the lives of many. On September 19, 2024, Shirley Mae Mason, a beacon of love and hard work, passed away peacefully at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, surrounded by her loving family, marking the end of an era for those who knew her. Born on April 15, 1946, to Garland and Minnie Cook, Shirley’s life was a testament to the values of community, education, and family.
Early Life and Education
Shirley Mae was born in the small town of Mallory, West Virginia, where the landscape was as rugged as the lives of its inhabitants. Growing up in the post-war era, Shirley was instilled with the spirit of resilience and community service by her parents. Education was a cornerstone in her family, and she embraced it with fervor. After excelling at her local school, Shirley graduated with honors from Glenville State College, a feat that set her apart in a time when higher education for women was not the norm. Her pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; she furthered her education at West Virginia University, earning a Masters +45, which equipped her with the tools to make significant contributions not only to her family but to the broader community.
Career and Community Involvement
Shirley’s career as a second-grade teacher at Smithville Elementary School spanned 23 years, during which she molded young minds, instilling in them the love for learning and the importance of community service. Beyond the classroom, her role as a homemaker over 62 years painted her as the glue that held her family together, managing the household with the same meticulous care she applied to her teaching. Her involvement in the Glenville Community Church for over four decades highlighted her spiritual side, where she was known for her melodious voice in the choir and her active participation in church activities, always ready to lend a hand or share a word of wisdom.
A Love for Nature and Family
Shirley’s connection with nature was profound. She found solace and joy in the outdoors, whether it was meticulously tending to her garden, where she grew vegetables and flowers that were the envy of the neighborhood, or taking long walks with her faithful companion, Lady. Camping trips were a beloved family tradition, where Shirley would often be found around a campfire, sharing stories or singing softly into the night. Her love for the outdoors was mirrored in her commitment to teaching her children and grandchildren about the beauty of nature, encouraging them to appreciate the simple yet profound pleasures of rural life.
Her family was her pride and joy. Married to Charles “Dean” Mason for 62 years, their union was a model of love, partnership, and mutual respect. Together, they raised a family that grew to include not just immediate family but extended relatives and friends who considered themselves part of the Mason clan. Shirley’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apples of her eye, and she was known for spoiling them with homemade treats, endless stories, and unconditional love. Each grandchild and great-grandchild knew they were her favorite, a testament to her ability to make everyone feel uniquely special.
Legacy and Reflections
Shirley Mae Mason leaves behind a legacy that will echo through the halls of Smithville Elementary and the pews of Glenville Community Church, in the laughter of her grandchildren, and in the flowers that bloom in her garden. Her passing has left a void in the community, but her influence will continue through the lives she touched. She taught generations about the importance of hard work, the value of education, the strength found in faith, and the profound joy of family.
The service at Glenville Community Church, where she was an active member, will not only commemorate her life but will also be a celebration of the spirit she left behind. Rev. Randy Wilson’s eulogy will undoubtedly capture the essence of Shirley’s life, her contributions, and the impact she had on those around her. Her burial at Horn Creek Baptist Cemetery will be a poignant moment, marking her final resting place among the hills she so loved.
As family and friends gather to mourn her passing, they will also celebrate a life that was lived fully, with purpose, and with an enduring love for all things simple and true. Shirley Mae Mason’s story is one of quiet heroism, of a life devoted to others, and of a spirit that will continue to inspire for generations to come. In her memory, let there be not just mourning but a renewed commitment to the values she held dear: community, education, faith, and above all, family.
