Shirley Garner

Shirley Garner, 82, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

A funeral service to honor Shirley’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1 at First Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Powell Osteen and Rev. Patrick Whaley. Interment will follow at Bayview Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through her obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Shirley was born on December 12, 1942, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, to the late James and Wava Hoopengardner. She was a cherished member of the First Methodist Church in Morehead City for over 30 years and a devoted hairdresser for more than four decades at her salon the Mane Event. 

With a heart of gold and a radiant smile, Shirley was known for her kindness and generosity. She loved to cook and entertain guests in her home, always ensuring that those around her felt welcomed and cared for. Widely known for her famous variety of Biscotti cookies, she made Thursdays extra special by sharing dinner with family and friends. Shirley believed in paying it forward and lived each day with love and selflessness. 

Alongside her beloved husband, Ted, she embraced adventure as the first mate on their boat, Sea Salt, traveling from Chesapeake to Key West. She was also a dedicated partner in helping him at the Sanitary Restaurant, where her squash casserole and stuffed potatoes became local favorites. At the Seafood Festival, she proudly earned the title of “Funnel Cake Queen.” She loved gardening and growing delicious vegetables. Christmas was her favorite time of year. Her warmth and love touched the lives of so many, and her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Ted Garner Jr. of the home; children, Michael E. Bonkosky (Laura) of Greenville, NC, Melissa G. Taylor of Newport, NC, Rhonda S. Sensenich of Morehead City, NC, Lisa L. Garner (Stephen Buck) of Morehead City, NC, and Jeff G. Garner (Stephanie) of Morehead City, NC; sister, Louise J. Joy of Hagerstown, MD; brothers, James Hoopengardner of Berkeley Springs, WV, and David Hoopengardner (Kathy) of Elysburg, PA; sister-in-law, Gwen Inzer of Aiken, SC; grandchildren, Joshua A. Wood (Miranda) of Tip City, OH, Brittney S. O’Neill (Johnathan) of Clarksville, TN, Makayla R. Ford (Jameson) of Havelock, NC, Corey B. Diffee (Claire) of Newport, NC, Hunter J. Garner of Morehead City, NC, Christian M. Garner of Morehead City, NC, Ella G. Garner of Morehead City, NC, Ashley Mills of Newport, NC and Emily White of Greenville, NC; great-grandchildren, Ashton G. Sensenich, Isla E. O’Neill, Elizabeth A. Wood, Briar J. Ford, Garland Mills, Corbin Mills, Jade White and Kenton Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, James L. Shoemaker; sister, Patricia Hawvermale; and brothers, Gary Hoopengardner, and Richard Hoopengardner.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church, 900 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557 or The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.