Shirley Mae Cantley

Shirley Mae Cantley, 82, of Tornado, passed peacefully at home on December 20, 2024. 

Shirley was born to Ward and Edith Armstead in Roane County, West Virginia on March 14, 1942.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Stanley Cantley; daughters Theresa (Rick) Dudding and Angela Flinner; son Michael (Jessica) Cantley; granddaughters Susan (Eric) McMillion and Celeste Cantley; grandsons Austin Cantley, Corey Cantley, Ryan Bush, and Brice (Naomi) Stinnett; great-grandchildren Johnathon McMillion, Clayton (Julia) McMillion and Mina, Lucian, and Godrick Stinnett; Great-great granddaughters Parker and Sophia McMillion; sister-in-law Pamela Armstead; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by her furry companion, Bella. 

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her grandmother who raised her, Laura Armstead; daughter Leona Meninger; siblings Wanda (Fred) Truman, Sylvia (Bob) Madura, Lyda (Roger) Collins, Rosalie Armstead and Kenny Armstead; and son-in-law James Flinner Jr.

Shirley was caring and compassionate. She loved children and her family. She enjoyed holidays and special occasions. She liked to travel and visited Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, California, Utah, South Dakota, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone, Memphis (Graceland), Disneyworld, Cape Cod, and San Antonio among others.

Shirley was employed by the Charleston Police Department as the crossing guard at Chandler Elementary. She dedicated more than thirty years at Charleston Department Store where she enjoyed helping customers find the perfect fit whether it was jeans, uniforms or suits. She and Stan formed Cantley’s Tuxedos and Suits and travelled West Virginia selling suits to the funeral industry and other professionals. 

Shirley served the community as a Girl Scout leader, Parent Teacher Association president, and fundraising benefiting Muscular Dystrophy through the US Postal Auxiliary.

Services will be held Friday, December 27 at 11 am at Humphrey’s Memorial United Methodist Church in Tornado, officiated by Harold Richards and Jacob Henley. Visitation will be Thursday, December 26 from 6 to 8 pm. Internment will be at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans. 

Handley Funeral Home in Danville is assisting the family with arrangements.