Shirley Sarver passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Jan. 21, 2025.
Shirley was born July 22, 1937, to Theodore Russell and Lola Perkins Pennington in Mercer County, WV. She was number six of 10 children.
Shirley graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Huntington, W.Va. in 1958. While there she made many lifelong friends, after they raised their children, the friends began having regular reunions.
Shirley moved to Bluefield, W.Va. where she worked in the hospital and lived with her sister Betty and family. As a nurse in the hospital Shirley cared for many patients, but one patient caught her eye. Shirley and William Sarver were married in May of 1966. Once married she moved to Blacksburg where she became well known in the community.
Shirley and Bill had two sons Thomas and James, which were the shining stars in her life. She served as homeroom mother in their classrooms and baked countless cupcakes for bake sales and class parties.
Following the death of her husband Shirley picked up her stethoscope again as Dr. Boatwright’s nurse. She worked with him until his retirement and then with Dr. Shepard until his retirement. Shirley finally retired at the age of 76.
Shirley will be remembered by many families in the community for the beautiful baby afghans she so lovingly crocheted. She will also be remembered by friends and family every Christmas when they decorate their tree with one of the countless snowflakes or covered glass balls she crocheted. Many will remember her fondly for her baking; she would often show up at your house or place of work with a bag of cookies or banana bread.
Shirley is survived by her sons Thomas Sarver (Katie) and James Sarver (Judy). She is also survived by her greatest treasures her six amazing grandchildren Madeline, Allison, Russell, Nate, Jackson, and Elizabeth. Shirley is also survived by siblings Vicky French, Bo Pennington, and Richard Pennington.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Lola Pennington, her husband William ‘Bill’ Sarver and siblings Mildred Lucado, Rene Plymale, Betty Chandler, Janie Havens, Bob Pennington, Butch Pennington.
The Sarver Family would like to thank the caring staff at Commonwealth Assisted Living as well as Nurse Jackie from Medi Home Health and Hospice.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 141 East Main St. Pulaski, VA 24301.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel, with Jim Krouscas officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m. before the service.
