Obituary of Shirley Ann Thomasson McRacken

Shirley Ann Thomasson McRacken, 79, resident of Prosperity, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was a lifelong resident of Newberry County, a daughter of the late Joe Newton Thomasson and Inez Warren Thomasson. She was employed with the South Carolina Department of Corrections where she retired after 20 years of service.

Everyone who knew Shirley can tell you what a fun-loving person she was. She had a big heart and a real passion for things special to her. Near the top of this list was animals. She loved her own, but her family will tell you that she would also care for any stray that wandered up to her home, wild or domestic. Shirley also loved traveling, especially the annual beach trips with her family. For her, nothing could replace that time in the sun and sand surrounded by the people she loved. She enjoyed gardening and game shows, both of which were her primary hobbies after retirement. Of course, we can’t leave out her beloved Carolina Gamecocks. Shirley was a season ticket holder to Gamecock football and loved those Saturday gamedays. Finally, and most importantly, Shirley loved her family. There wasn’t a day that she didn’t spend time with her children, grandchildren and other extended family and neighbors. Shirley truly instilled the importance of family to all who knew her.

Shirley is survived by three children, a daughter, Tina Longshore Nichols and her husband, Tommy of Prosperity; two sons, Kevin Longshore and his fiancé, Becky Kinard of Newberry, and Ken Longshore of Prosperity; three grandchildren, Jake, Drew and Arie Longshore; two sisters, Syble Bowers and her husband Jimmy of Silverstreet and Dot Gibson of Saluda. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends that were special to her. In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by two brothers, Joe Willie, and Fred W. “Sonny” Thomasson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Prosperity. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.

For those desiring to make memorials, please do so to the Newberry County Animal Shelter, 240 Public Works Drive, Newberry, SC 29108.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting with arrangements.