On October 18, 2026, Gail McBride Shirley, 78, joined her Lord and Savior following a courageous battle with cancer.

Gail was the eldest child of five born to the late Robert Paul and Mary Lee Chase McBride in Newport News, Virginia, where she grew up and graduated from Ferguson High School in 1966. After graduating from Madison College, now James Madison University, she spent 19 years teaching business classes in the Newport News public school system.

In 1990, she married the love of her life, Richard Shirley, and moved to South Carolina, where they enjoyed countless hours looking for rare finds and great bargains in antique stores and thrift shops, both at home and wherever they travelled. Gail and Richard were active in the Church at Sandhurst in Florence until he passed away unexpectedly in 2007. While attending Sandhurst, Gail went on many mission trips, both in the United States and in other countries including Ukraine, Germany and Mexico.

Gail resided in Florence the remainder of her life, where she was a realtor and an antique dealer. She continued her travels and especially enjoyed the trips she took with her granddaughters. Remaining involved in the church, she was most recently attending Compassion Church in Florence.

A devoted friend, she was blessed with many close friendships and met with friends often. Throughout her illness, Gail remained positive and optimistic, more concerned about how her illness affected others than about her own comfort. In her final days, a steady stream of friends and family visited her, a kindness she deeply appreciated.

Gail is survived by her daughter Melissa Puckett Jackson and her son Bradley (Lindsey) Shives-Shirley, both of whom provided great support during her illness. She is also survived by her siblings, Peggy (Steve) Davenport of Phoenix, AZ, Robert (Sara) McBride III of Hartfield, VA, Gerry (Mark) Glascock of Seaford, VA, Richard McBride of DeBary, FL and grandchildren Abigail and Kristin Jackson and Adeline Shives-Shirley. She also has many surviving nieces , nephews and cousins.

A church led memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Compassion Church. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Gail requests donations be made to Compassion Church of Florence or The Hope Center Ministries for Women in Florence in memory of Gail Shirley.

Cremation services are entrusted to Calcutt-Dowling Funeral Home.