Cover photo for Shirley Pierce Modlin's Obituary
Shirley Pierce Modlin Profile Photo

Shirley Pierce Modlin

October 9, 1942 — January 23, 2024

Shirley Pierce Modlin

   Shirley Ann Pierce Modlin, 81, of 1278 Highway 158 East, Sunbury, NC, died Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at her son’s home in Suffolk, VA where she was cared for by her family.

   Mrs. Modlin was born in Gates County on October 9, 1942, and was the daughter of the late William Dallas and Frances Ann Ward Pierce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, W.D. Pierce.

   A retired rural carrier for the United States Postal Service where she worked for 30 years, her main job in life was the work of a faithful wife, loving mother, and Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Damascus Christian Church.

   Surviving is her husband of 62 years, Gilbert Modlin; their sons, Ray Modlin (wife, Kelley) of Suffolk and David Modlin of Raleigh; two sisters, Jeanne Spivey (husband, Lloyd) of Corapeake and Carolyn Jordan (husband, Larry) of Gates; a brother, Glenn Ray Pierce (wife, Linda, deceased) of Franklin, VA; her sister-in-law, Carol Pierce Kelly (husband, John) of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Danielle Allemand (husband, Matt) of Suffolk, Gil Modlin (wife, Sam) of North Pole, AK; and Dustin Modlin (wife, Cassie) of Millville, PA; and five great-grandchildren, Ricky, Logan, Gavin, Mathew, and Lilly.

   A graveside service will be held Friday, January 26th, at 2:00 p.m. in Damascus Christian Church Cemetery where memories and comfort will be shared by family and friends. Casual and comfortable clothing is encouraged.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Cushing’s Support & Research Foundation, 4155 Lawrenceville Highway #8130, Lilburn, GA 30047 (online at www.crsf.net), or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 (online at www.diabetes.org).

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Shirley’s special friend and caregiver, Vicky Baker, for the comfort she provided during the long period of declining health.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Pierce Modlin, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Graveside Funeral Service

Friday, January 26, 2024

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Damascus Christian Church Cemetery

, Sunbury, NC 27979

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 19

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree