Shirley Verlene Rich Hollars, lovingly known by so many as Mawmaw, was born on August 18,1950, in Watauga County, North Carolina, to Leonard Rich Sr. and Rosie Coffey Rich.

To know Shirley was to know love. She was a mother, a Mawmaw, a sister, a friend, a gardener, a servant to others, and a woman who never met a stranger. Above all else, Shirley was a child of God.

Her faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. Everything she did seemed to lead back to Him. She didn't just talk about faith, she lived it. She showed her family and everyone around her what it meant to trust God, serve others, have faith, and love without limits. She carried one of the purest forms of love, a love that reflected the spirit of Christ within her and expected nothing in return. She faithfully attended Bailey’s Camp Baptist Church and loved spending time with her church family.

Shirley loved people. She was a friend to everyone, and she had a way of making people feel as though they always had a place with her. There was always a seat at Shirley's table. Whether someone came hungry, needing a listening ear, or simply wanting to visit or play a card game, she had room for them.

She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being a Mawmaw was one of the greatest joys of her life. She treasured the moments spent together, the laughter, the conversations, and all the little memories that her family will hold onto forever.

If Shirley wasn't surrounded by her family, you could often find her in the garden or tending to her flowers. She found beauty in the simple things, the earth beneath her hands, flowers blooming, vegetables growing, and food being prepared for the people she loved.

She was a wonderful cook and made some of the best biscuits around. She loved to cook, but more than that, she loved to feed people. She spent countless hours canning, breaking beans, working in the garden, and putting food on the table. Those hours were never just work to her. They were acts of love, service, and devotion to her family.

Shirley also believed in giving her time to others. She spent her free time volunteering at the Foley Center, where she enjoyed serving others and catching up with friends. She loved visiting and staying connected with the people she cared about. Among her most treasured friendships was her friendship with Judy Watson, who stood faithfully by her side for more than 50 years.

Shirley never wanted anyone she loved to leave without a hug and an "I love you" and she meant every word. Shirley didn't just say those words, she lived them. She lived a life that spoke of Christ.

Her life was a testament to what it means to love God and love people. She leaves behind a family who will miss her more than words can express, but who will carry her lessons, her laughter, her recipes, her stories, and most of all, her love with them.

Jude 21-22: Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Elmer Hollars Sr., and her baby daughter, Angela Hollars. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Frank Coffey, Vadis Price, Betty Sharpe, Roberta Brookshire, Robert Rich, and Johnny Rich.

Those left to cherish Shirley's memory include her children, Lewis Hollars and wife Lisa, Sharon Bolick and husband Tim, and Chris Hollars and wife Sabrina; her siblings, Gaither Rich, Leonard Rich Jr., Paul Rich, Martha Ford, Mary Ann R. Silas, and Frances Laws; her grandchildren, Emily Henderson and husband Dylan, Angela Hollars, Payton Bolick and wife Sabrina, Parris Bratton and husband Adam, Paige Bolick, Corey Carlton, Logan Carlton, Ethan Carlton and wife Haley; and her great-grandchildren, Raylee Henderson, Avaleigh Henderson, Renee Bolick, Levi Bolick, Benjamin Bolick, Beckett Bolick, Anson Carlton, Haidyn Carlton, Corbyn Carlton, Maggie Carlton. Honorary grandchildren; Brad and Virginia Edwards. She was cherished by numerous nieces and nephews.

Pall Bearers: Payton Bolick, Dylan Henderson, Corey Carlton, Joseph Rich, Logan Carlton, and Adam Bratton.

Funeral services will be conducted 6:00 P.M. Wednesday September 30, 2026, at Piney Grove Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00, prior to the service. Officiating will be Lewis Hollars Jr. and Shannon Harmon.

Graveside services and burial will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at Harmon Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the Hollars family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.