Shirley Frances Grass

Shirley Frances Stevens Grass June 3, 1933 – April 1, 2025

Shirley Frances Stevens Grass, a devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong servant of her faith and community, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born on June 3, 1933, in Elevation Township, Benson, North Carolina, Shirley grew up on a tobacco farm alongside her parents and seven siblings. Her early life was shaped by hard work, close family ties, and a love for the simple joys of rural living.

As a teenager, she moved with her family to Kannapolis, North Carolina, where she attended and graduated from Cannon High School. It was there that she began to plant the roots of the life she would build—one filled with love, purpose, and quiet strength. On June 30, 1956, she married Edwin Excell Grass, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span many decades.

Shirley worked for over 21 years at Fieldcrest Cannon, where she specialized in data entry. Outside of work, she shared her musical talents with her church community, playing the piano and later the organ at Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. Her faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life, and she faithfully practiced daily devotions and participated in Bible studies throughout her life.

With a humble spirit and generous heart, Shirley found joy in staying busy and helping others. She volunteered for many years delivering meals-on-wheels and was always lending a hand at church, with family, or in her community. Her reliability made her a frequently requested substitute teacher at Northwest Cabarrus High School.

Neighbors and friends fondly remember Shirley as the lady with a sweet smile, riding her blue bicycle all around her community, often with one of her girls in the big front basket.

She had a green thumb and maintained flourishing flower gardens, while also growing vegetables every summer. Her home was always filled with the warmth of delicious home-cooked meals—her apple pie was particularly legendary.

A gifted seamstress, Shirley learned to sew from her mother and proudly crafted her own wedding dress as well as clothes for her children when they were young. She loved board games, especially Monopoly, and card games shared with family and friends. She also had a soft spot for animals, especially the many neighborhood cats she lovingly cared for.

Shirley cherished Sunday drives, travel adventures, and most of all, time spent with her beloved family. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the days she spent caring for them when they were small.

She will be remembered for her gentle nature, her steadfast faith, and the countless ways she quietly and lovingly served others. Shirley’s life was a beautiful example of grace in action, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Edwin Excell Grass; her children, Deborah Briggs (Kerry), Maria Carlton, Ruth Lewis-Pitt (Gareth); and her grandchildren, Justin, Dillon, Kelsey, Montana, Matthew, Andrew, Georgia, and David.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Talbot and Nellie Stevens; and her seven siblings, Fula, Rupert, Reta, Thurston, Janice, Talbert (aka Max), and Jackie.

Services will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025. Family will receive visitors at Memorial United Methodist Church in Kannapolis from 1:00 – 2:00 pm and the funeral will follow immediately in the sanctuary. Private family graveside committal at Carolina Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 1100 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081