Obituary for Shirley Pitts West

Shirley Pitts West, age 86 of Hayesville, NC passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

She was born in Guilford County, NC to the late Horace and Guinelle Smith Pitts. Shirley worked as an office administrator for Gwinnett Gymnastics Center in Lilburn, GA. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Shirley loved to sing and worked in the Women's Missionary Union. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family, especially during the holidays.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Owens.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph "Bobby" West; two sons, Mike West of Hiawassee, GA and Kenny West (Wilma) of Hayesville, NC; two daughters, Karen Crosby of Hiawassee, GA and Jennifer Fuqua (Paul) of Calhoun, GA; one brother, Charles Pitts of Covington, GA; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor Phil Goble, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ty Fuqua, Robert West, Phillip West, Daniel Crosby, Trey Strother and Shane Mull. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Sams and Rex Strickland.

The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 1 pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideon's International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.