Shirley Ann Bland Massey

Garner, NC - Shirley Ann Bland Massey went home to be with Jesus on Friday, October 11, at home with her family by her side. The grand lady was 88 years old. Born November 30, 1935, in Raleigh, NC, she was the daughter of Claude Moore Bland and Flonnie Goodwin Bland.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elton James (Bud) Massey, her son James Bland Massey, her son-in law Jerry Bridges, her four sisters: Virginia Coker, Billie O'Neal, Mary Reaves, and Catherine Munn; both of her brothers: Claude Bland, Jr. and Donald Bland.

She is survived by two daughters: Wendy Silver (and husband Daryl) and Sherry Bridges; her granddaughter Hannah Setzler (and husband Graham), her grandson Joshua Bridges, and several loved nieces and nephews.

She took early retirement at age 59 from N. C. State University, Computing Center and became caregiver for her mother for years after that. During her career, she was supervisor for data entry for many years and was highly respected by the faculty that she enjoyed serving and loved by her coworkers and staff.

The grand lady truly lived by the motto "To be rather than to seem", and she believed and taught her children that the quality of one's life is determined by what's inside of the people with whom you live. Her life was defined by steadfast, unconditional love for her children, incredible faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, unsurpassed courage, and a high standard that she never compromised even in the face of great tragedy, heartache, and challenge.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters and others who had the privilege of really knowing her.

Her daughters would like to thank Transitions Life Care medical professionals for their unsurpassed support and expertise over the last three weeks of Shirley's life.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. A committal service will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family will receive friends for a period of visitation at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home on, Friday, October 18, 2024, from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.