Shirley Lee Vinson

Shirley Lee Vinson, 86, of Etam, WV, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at her daughter’s residence in Mercer, PA, surrounded by the love of her family. Born February 1, 1939, in Rowlesburg, WV, she was the cherished daughter of the late Sadie Freda (Jones) Friend Cornett and Lee Friend.

Shirley was the heart of her family—a devoted homemaker and a natural caregiver who spent her life putting others before herself. Her home was always a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love. Whether she was caring for family members, friends, or anyone in need, Shirley gave selflessly and without hesitation.

She found joy in life’s simple blessings. Shirley loved quilting and sewing, creating beautiful pieces filled with patience and care. She could often be found sitting on her porch, watching hummingbirds flutter by and smiling as she fed the deer she lovingly called “her girls.” In the evenings, she enjoyed relaxing with her favorite westerns and classic horror movies, always content in the comfort of home.

Shirley’s legacy lives on through her beloved family. She is survived by her son, William “Billy” Vinson; her daughter, Tasha Vinson; her grandchildren, Donnie Mullins (Mary Savage), Stephanie Larson-Steelman (Mark), Angela “Angie” Vinson Shepke Law (Bo), Brittany Carr (Ryan), Brandy Benoit (Brian), and Shelley Vinson; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Peteria (Michael), Patrick, Sebastian, Hayden, Jadian, Averyanna, Seth, Kai, Zavier, Chloe, Autumn, Lilly, Kirsten, Shawn, Mike, Annabelle, Zack, Evelyn, Tyler, and Serenity. She was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren Reese, Brooke, Gabriel, Salvatore, Lyric, and one soon to arrive, baby Lily.

She is also survived by her brothers, Roger Friend and Richard Friend; her sisters, Norma Johnson, Geneva Wolfe, Hilda Kay Sypolt, and Margaret Jones; along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Burton David Vinson, whom she loved deeply, in 1980; her daughter, Virginia “Genny” Vinson; her great-grandson, Harry Carr; her sisters, Ethel Friend and Betty Colleen Dean; and her brother, James Cornett.

Family and friends will be received at Kingwood Funeral Home, 295 S. Price St., Kingwood, WV, on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the 1:00 PM funeral service, with Pastor Marjorie Waybright officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Sarah Cemetery, Rowlesburg, WV. The family will be having the funeral reception at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM before the funeral service and everyone is invited. This will allow everyone to start traveling home directly after the graveside. 

Shirley will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her kind heart, and the endless love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a family forever grateful for the life she lived and the love she shared. Online condolences may be sent to the Vinson Family at www.kingwoodfuneralhomewv.com.
Kingwood Funeral Home is honored to serve the Vinson Family.

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