Shirlee Jones Farrar

Shirlee Jones Farrar, age 93, passed away on March 15, 2025. Shirlee was born on May 18, 1931 in Emporia, Virginia, and was the oldest daughter of Sara Grigg McLean and Edward McLean. Although she lived in many places throughout her life, she always considered Emporia home and remained close with many childhood friends.

In 1960, Shirlee met her future husband, Ron Farrar, in a business class in Richmond, VA. They married four months later, starting a journey that would last 63 years. The following year Ron was drafted into the Army, and he and Shirlee were stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, where they had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. After returning to the States, they lived in Richmond, where Shirlee worked for A.H. Robins. A few years later, Ron was called to the ministry, and his first position as pastor was at Salem Baptist Church in Richmond. Shirlee actively participated in the congregational life of that church and in the churches that followed in both North Carolina and South Carolina. She held various leadership roles in women's ministry, served as a Sunday School teacher, and led Bible studies.

Shirlee made friends wherever she landed, and she never met a stranger. She could talk to anyone, but she was also a good listener. Shirlee worked several jobs throughout her career. After retiring as a teacher's assistant, she continued to mentor young children. She volunteered as a literacy tutor in the local elementary schools, helping children improve their reading skills, and she volunteered at the local library.

In 2018, Shirlee and Ron moved to Raleigh, NC, to be closer to family. Shirlee loved spending time with her family, and she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Shortly before she passed away, she became a great grandmother.

Shirlee is survived by her daughter, Helen Weeks (husband Nathan); her sister, Linda Pollard (husband Dan); her grandsons, Harrison Weeks (wife Maud) and Sam Weeks; her great granddaughter, Amelia; and her nephew, Mike Pollard (wife Ruth). She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Edwin Farrar.

A memorial service will be held at Good Hope Baptist Church in Conway, SC, on Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Christian Life Center.

If desired, contributions may be made in Shirlee’s memory to Good Hope Baptist Church, 6101 Privetts Road, Conway, SC 29526.