Shirley Caddell Haden

Shirley Caddell Headen, 87, of Taylortown, NC answered the Master’s call and entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Shirley Mae Caddell Headen was born to Beatrice Caddell and Earl Taylor on December 29, 1934 in Carthage, NC.

Shilrey grew up in Carthage with her mother and two brothers. She was surrounded by many cousins whom she considered her brothers and sisters. Her grandfather and great-aunties also helped raise her.

She attended Pinckney School and graduated in 1954 at an early age, skipping the eighth grade. Shirley attended John Hall Presbyterian Church, also in Carthage.

Shortly after graduation, Shirley married Luther Headen and moved to Taylortown, NC. Shirley was called by many names: Shirley, Mama, Ma, Ms. Lady, Dear, Grandma, GranGran, Great Grannie Shirley Mae, Ms. Shirley, Sis, Aunt Shirley Auntie, Sister Headen, Mother Headen & Shirley Burley. Shirley and Lute (her name for him) raised their six children in Taylortown.

She joined Spaulding Chapel AME Zion Church and was a member of the Missionary Society, Senior Choir, and President of the Gospel Choir. She made sure all of her children attended Sunday School or church. She was a faithful member and worked hard for about 40 years. She later joined God’s Love In Action, now Greater Works of Deliverance Ministries, under the leadership of Apostle Andria Weekes Parker. There, too, she was a faithful member until her health failed. She had the title of Church Mother. When Open Door Day Care Center first opened, she worked as a cook for many years. Mr. Bill Simmons offered her a job as a kindergarten teacher assistant. She loved her job and the children under her care. She worked for 20 years with Mrs. Ann Jessup and retired at the age of 60. She loved the Taylortown community and was a nurturer to many children. She loved her family and enjoyed being around all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley became a resident of Peak Rehabilitation Center in May of 2022. She enjoyed reuniting with her Lute, who had lived there for a year. She received excellent care while living there. We appreciate all of them for caring for her.

Her husband, Luther, mother, father, and two brothers, William and Otis Caddell, preceded her in death.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memories, six children, three daughters, Angela Davis (Greg), Nadine Moody (Jef), and Patricia Harris, three sons, Luther Jr. (Cathy), Mark, and Robert (Sean); thirteen grandchildren, Nicholas (Keya) (whom they helped raise as their own), Jessica (Shaun), Essica, Jeff ll, Everett (Kaneisha). Jasmine S. (Mike), Jade, Jasmine R. (Lamont), Mercedes, Stephon, Rashad and Yarona; numerous great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Jerry Headen; three sisters-in-law, Evelyn Brisbane, Hildaguard Headen and Oleeta Curlee (Robert); a daughter-in-law, Jackie Covington; those she loved as daughters, Joanne Faulkner, Apostle Andria Weekes Parker, and Krista Hazelwood; very special friends, Mabel Gaddy, Esther McNeil, Ulysses and Diane Barrett, Robert (Bob) Barrett ( Charmaine) and Patrick & Berta Walker; past personal caregivers who she loved and they loved her, Vicky, Alveda, Debra, Diane, Bertha, Krissy, Michele, Yvette, Ollie and the entire staff of Peak Rehab & FirstHealth Hospice Palliative Care; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

Shirley will be missed, and her legacy of selfless love will live on in the lives of those she touched.