Shirley Jean Young, 78, of Clendenin, WV, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026 at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, WV.
She was born September 6, 1947, a daughter of the late Jim Strickland and Dessie Mae Rucker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest (Junior) Young; brothers, Harold Young and Robert Rucker; sisters, Doris Ann Carpenter and Vivian (Red) Shaffer; nephews, Allen (Junebug) Young and Kevin Shaffer; great-nephew, Hughie Scarberry; great-great-nephew, Walker Zeppelin Moss; and her pride and joy, her little dog Duke.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Patsy June Mullins; maternal aunt, Margaret Belcher; nephews, Bobby Dwayne Carpenter (Liz), Jesse Rucker (Kim), and Jerry Shaffer (Amanda); nieces, Vickie (Baby Girl) Walker, Debbie Means (Scott), Kimberly Ann Scarberry, and Cheryl Ann Rucker; her special niece, Haley Jordan (Haleybug) Barlow; her special nephew, Adam Shaffer; her best friend, Mae Smith; and several other great and great-great nieces and nephews. Shirley comes from a very large family and has many surviving cousins, as well. Also, William Gene and Cheryle Shaffer and Kay Bowers were like siblings to her.
Shirley retired from Kanawha County School Board as a Bus Aide. She lived most of her life on Elk River, but did live in California for a while in the early 70’s.
Shirley loved animals! We would tease her about having more compassion for animals than most people. She always fed the deer and the birds. She never met a dog or cat that she didn’t fall in love with. Shirley enjoyed watching her “Stories”, she loved shopping. She loved her shoes and pocketbooks. Most of all she loved Jesus. Shirley attended church at Falling Rock Gospel Tabernacle, 5564 Elk River Road North, Clendenin, WV. A Celebration of Life will be held for Shirley at her church in September for her birthday. Details of date and time will be posted once they are finalized
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Stump-Matics Funeral Home, 8539 Elk River Road North, Clendenin, WV 25045, with Rev. Scott Means officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at Elk Hills Memorial Park at a later date. Fond memories and words of comfort can be shared with Shirley’s family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to your local Animal Shelter in memory of Shirley.
