Shirli Hall Roberts

Shirli Hall Roberts, 93, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. Born Shirli Jo Hall on July 1, 1921 to Murray and Louise Hall, she lived primarily in central Arkansas, but spent her last years in North Carolina and Virginia. Shirli studied art at the University of Kansas and The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. She was a long time employee of Sears & Roebuck Co., selling jewelry and furniture until her retirement. An avid gardener and seamstress in addition to her art, her nimble fingers were seldom idle. She frequently won blue ribbons for her needlework entries in various county and state fairs, and often delighted friends and family with her beautiful creations. Shirli also enjoyed music, dancing, reading, writing, camping, and traveling. She loved animals, and over the years bred and sold registered cocker spaniels, Persian cats, and owned and operated a commercial rabbitry. She also penned two historical novels which were never published. Shirli was predeceased by her parents, brother, Robert C. Hall, and husbands, Robert H. Roberts of Alexandria, Va., Dennis E. Hall of Danville, Va., and Luther H. Roberts of Scott, Arkansas. She is survived by her five children, Bruce Roberts, Edmund Roberts, Barbara Roberts McWhirter (Mac), Patricia Hall Nichols (John), and Jeanne Hall Gray (Chuck); 13 grandchildren, Angela R. Swann, Robert A. Roberts, James F. Cherry Jr., Lisa R. McWhirter, Lorrie D. Richardson, James D. McWhirter, Lacy M. Warren, Brian P. Nichols, Jefferson D. Nichols, Rebecca H. Nobles, Regina B. Spears, Melissa B. Bates, and Lindsey G. Hodge; and seventeen great-grandchildren. Services will be in North Carolina at a later date. Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.