Shirley Evans Litchfield

Shirley Evans Litchfield, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted community member, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on April 6, 1937, in Kings Port, Tennessee, Shirley lived a life marked by love, dedication, and heartfelt commitment to those around her.

Shirley’s journey began in Kings Port, where her early years laid the foundation for the deep values she carried throughout her life. Over time, she moved to Tampa, Florida, where she spent 24 meaningful years before finally settling in Gastonia, North Carolina, in 1980. Her strong faith was a guiding force; she was an active member of the Union Road Church of God, before then Manhattan Church of God and  Town & Country Church, she served as church clerk and Sunday school teacher for many years.

In her professional life, Shirley made lasting contributions through her work as a manager for over 20 years at Pathway Book Store and later at Carolina Christian Books and Gifts. In her later years, she contributed her talents at Gaston Memorial Park. Throughout her career, Shirley’s kindness and dedication were evident to all who knew her.

Her proudest accomplishment was always her family. Shirley was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She found profound joy in spending time with her loved ones, frequently traveling with them to the beach and mountains, creating treasured memories that will forever linger in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her beloved son, James Randy Scates (Alice), and daughter, Tracie Scates Gordon (Reid), both residents of Gastonia. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: James Randy Scates, Jr (Jessica), Anthony Justin Dellinger (Melissa), Deanna Michelle Scates, Megan Nicole Fesperman (Mark), Raymond Rodriquez, IV, and Diana VanNocker (Michael). The family is further blessed with 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren who carry her spirit into the future. Shirley also leaves behind a devoted brother, Edward Evans of Columbia, South Carolina, and a sister, Janice Litchfield of Georgia. Her life was warmly enriched by a special niece, Savannah Quellette, and a special nephew, Andrew Ewart, along with many other nieces, nephews, and a multitude of cherished friends.

Shirley’s journey on earth was graced by relationships and memories she nurtured and by the deep love she gave so freely. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Jackson Evans and Edith Fanny Mays Evans; her beloved husband, Cornell Wilbur Litchfield, James William Scates; her granddaughter, Brittany Scates; and her brothers, David Jackson Evans and Gary Clayton Evans, as well as her sister, Margaret Geraldine Cox.

A graveside service to honor Shirley’s beautiful life will be held on May 1, 2026, at Gaston Memorial Park, located at 1200 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, North Carolina. The service will begin at 4:00 p.m., providing family and friends the opportunity to pay their final respects and celebrate a woman whose life touched so many.

Shirley Evans Litchfield’s legacy is one of unwavering love, faith, and devotion. Her spirit will endure in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her, a beacon of warmth and kindness that will never fade.