Shirley Smith Outlaw

Shirley Smith Outlaw, affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Shirley Bell,” entered the glorious gates of heaven on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the home of her daughter, Debra Outlaw King. Shirley spent her life tending and caring for her family and friends, and she departed her earthly home surrounded by her loved ones.

Shirley Outlaw shared a distinct love language with her family, friends, and community.  Shirley’s sweet smile was her trademark, and she was quick to offer it to anyone she met. Her unbeatable peach cobbler and famous pecan brittle were often made for anyone who needed, or just wanted, them. It was known far and wide. That pecan brittle was certainly sought after at many community fundraiser auctions and events!  

Shirley’s love and devotion to the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. From tending to the sick, and providing comforting food and friendship, Shirley’s life reflected the love of Jesus. She was a lifelong and devout member of Pink Hill United Methodist Church, holding a variety of leadership positions throughout her life. She served humbly and with a gentle nature, but was a felt presence when helping with Meals on Wheels, Back Pack Buddies, leading Bible study, and other activities in her church.  Another way Shirley served was as a founding owner of Pink Hill Funeral Home. During her time there, her relationship with God helped her attend to others during one of the hardest times of their life, providing comfort during their grief. 

Educating youth was a true calling for Shirley Outlaw. She spent her teaching career at B.F. Grady School in Albertson, where she earned many honors.  Not only was she B.F. Grady’s Teacher of the Year, but went on to become Duplin County’s Teacher of the Year.  She received the distinguishing honor of Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year in Mathematics during her tenure. Shirley was highly respected by her peers, and served as a real mentor to fellow teachers. Other educators often looked to her for advice and motivation. Shirley was an educator many in the community remember well and speak fondly of today. 

As an educator and life-long learner, Shirley became an active member of the Duplin County chapter of Alpha Eta of Delta Kappa Gamma International. Like other areas of her life, Shirley sought to serve her fellow educators through various leadership positions and service to others.  

Shirley enjoyed life. She was always ready to go watch a good ballgame, especially if her grandkids or other family members were playing.  She crocheted, and left her family many pieces of masterful works. Shirley loved to collect trinkets and dolls, which can be seen throughout her house. Until recent years, she could tell you where she obtained each one of these, who gave it to her, or what prompted her to purchase it.  Shirley was welcomed into heaven by her one and only love, Dovelle Outlaw. Even in her later years, when her memory began to fade, she would often fondly look at her husband’s picture and say, “He loved me, and I loved him.”  She would speak of the day when they would be reunited again.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Cameron and Ruby Spence Smith, as well as her dear sisters, Betty Smith Turner and Rachel Smith Hatch.  

Shirley Outlaw leaves a legacy through her surviving family: a son Dovelle (Dobby) Outlaw, Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Hampstead, NC; and a daughter, Debra Outlaw King and husband Wayne of Surf City, NC.

Shirley was a devoted Mema to: Dovelle (Dee) Outlaw, III and wife Samantha of Wallace, NC; Phillip David Outlaw of Hampstead, NC; LeeAnna Elizabeth Wilson and husband Clayton of Hampstead, NC; Kailtyn King Liu and husband Andy of Arlington, VA; and Cameron Wayne King of Wilmington, NC. Shirley Outlaw was also a devoted Mema to the friends of her grandchildren, and many have enjoyed spending time at her house.

Her great grandchildren include Carson, Carlee, and Weston Outlaw; and Rowen, Evans, and River Wilson.

Shirley is survived by her sisters Shelby Jean Smith of Kinston, NC; Alice Faye Scott and husband DL of Pink Hill, NC; Edna Grace (Gracie) Smith of Pink Hill, NC; her brother John Smith and wife Bobbie of Pink Hill, NC; as well as her brother-in-law Mike Hatch and wife Merle of Pink Hill, NC. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Lower Cape Fear Life Care Foundation, especially Mrs. Shirley’s Care Team made up of Mary Hammersley, Trammel Davis, Dr. Jacob Phillips, and Genia Newkirk. During their time together, they generously shared their love and support to both Mrs. Shirley and Debra.

The family will receive friends Thursday during the hours of 11:00am until 7:00pm and Friday 11:00am until 3:00pm at the homeplace of Shirley Outlaw at 358 Seth Turner, Albertson, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 6:00pm at Pink Hill Funeral Home with visitation to follow. Interment will take place Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:30am at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill, NC.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Lower Cape Fear Life Care Foundation

1414 Physicians Drive

Wilmington, NC 28401

Albertson Community Library

℅ Jean Whaley

396 Bill Sutton Road

Albertson, NC 28508

Pink HIll United Methodist Church

℅ Carolyn Whitfield

313 North Central Avenue

Pink Hill, NC 28572 

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