Mrs. Shirley Ireland

Evangelist and Pastor Shirley Mae Scott-Ireland was born on December 14,1955, in Winston Salem, North Carolina, to the union of Dewitt Scott and Viola Staten Scott. She was the youngest of four children. On January 10, 2026, God called his faithful servant home, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith. Shirley received her early education in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System and was a proud graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Early in life, she accepted Christ under the spiritual guidance of her grandfather, the late Reverend T.S. Staten, a decision that shaped the course of her life and ministry. Answering God's Call, Shirley attended Shaw University School of Divinity in Raleigh, North Carolina, and later taken courses at Logos Divinity University, Jacksonville Florida preparing herself for a life of ministry. She faithfully served for over twenty years at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.R. Samuels, where she labored joyfully as an Associate Minister and Sunday School Teacher. Her passion for teaching, preaching and nurturing God's people was evident in every life she touched. Music was one of Shirley's greatest joy and ministries. From an early age, she displayed extraordinary musical talent. She was a master drummer, a self-taught piano player, and a gifted songwriter, using her God-given abilities to praise Him and uplift others. She was also a proud member of the Dionn Owens and the Renaissance Choir, sharing her love for music wherever she served. In her leisure time she enjoyed sewing, knitting, puzzling, and painting, expressing her creativity with grace and joy. Beyond ministry, Shirley was a trailblazer. She made history as the second African American woman to drive for Greyhound Bus Company out of Winston-Salem. She later dedicated many years as a school bus driver for the Winston-Salem, Forsyth County School District, where she was known for her kindness, reliability and love for the children. She received numerous awards for perfect attendance and retired in 2022. True to her servant's heart, she returned just six months later as a part-time morning driver, unable to stay away from the children she loved so dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewitt Scott and Viola Staten Scott; her brothers, Levonza Staten and Eugene Scott and her beloved stepdaughter, DeJournea Glenn. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her devoted husband of 34 years, Dr. Woodrow Ireland; her loving sister, Yashica Scott Barber; her stepchildren Paula Ireland, Christopher Ireland and Travis Jackson; and a host of family, dear friends, church family and extended family members, and all who were blessed by her radiant smile, generous spirit, and faithful walk with God. " In memory of my loving wife, a woman of Resilience, Buoyancy, Elasticity, and Malleability, whose love shaped me and uplifted us all." Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00am at Solid Rock Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at 10:30am from the church. There will be a public viewing on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 1pm until 5pm. Interment will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00am at Salisbury National Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.

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Mrs. Shirley Ireland

December 14, 1955 - January 10, 2026