Shirley Faye Morgan Fersner Reaves, 87, passed away at Morrison Manor at the Scotland Regional Hospice in Laurinburg, NC on May 18, 2023.
Shirley was born on October 26, 1935 in Fort Myers, Florida to the late C.C. Morgan Jr. and Mae Collier Morgan Regis. Shirley was the great-granddaughter of W.T. Collier, one of the first settlers of Marco Island – a fact of which she was very proud. She considered Southwest Florida her true home, though she moved to South Carolina in 1952 and lived in the state for many more years as her children grew up. Shirley was a 1953 graduate of Clemson High School, where she was voted the wittiest and cutest in her class.
A social butterfly all her life, Shirley never met a stranger. In Orangeburg, South Carolina she was a member of the Junior League and president of the local Newcomers Club. After returning to Fort Myers in the 1980s, Shirley happily reunited with many childhood friends and became active in local organizations including First United Methodist Church and the Periwinkle Garden Club. As an active member of Periwinkle Garden Club, Shirley perfected her skills at floral arrangements, even winning a prize in the 2003 Edison Festival of Light Strolling Flower Show.
For many years, Shirley co-owned Southern Heritage Country Furniture Store in Fort Myers with her son, John. In her position at the store, she took pride in curating charming arrangements of country decor and furniture. Those who knew Shirley knew her to be incredibly generous and fun. Whether it was bridge club or a family meal, Shirley loved to host get-togethers at her home. Most notably, she hosted a large and beloved annual Easter luncheon for many years. She was an excellent cook, an avid reader, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her brother John C. Morgan and husband Herbert Reaves.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Patti Fersner McInnis (Samuel P. “Bo” McInnis II) of Clio, SC and John Fersner (Susan) of Waynesboro, VA; as well as three grandchildren and their spouses, Samuel “Parks” McInnis III & Susan of Wilmington, NC, Savannah Fersner & Emmett Crawford of Waynesboro, VA, and James Dylan & Rachel Fersner of Christiansburg, VA; and one great-grandchild, Sam McInnis IV.
Memorial contributions may be made to Scotland Regional Hospice at PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353. Private memorial services will be held at a future date. Kannaday Funeral Home in Dillon, SC is assisting the family.