Shirley Mullins

Shirley Ann Baker Mullins

Shirley Ann Baker Mullins, of Glade Spring, Virginia, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina. She was 76 years old.

Born on April 9, 1950, in Lee County, Virginia, Shirley was the daughter of the late Joe Baker and Bertha Elsie Gibbs Baker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Mahan; her brother, Marvin Baker; and her sister-in-law, Susan Baker.

Shirley devoted her life to her faith, her family, and the education of young children. A 1972 graduate of Clinch Valley College (now UVA Wise), she earned her degree in education and began a teaching career that would span three decades. After moving to Washington County in 1972, she became a beloved and respected kindergarten teacher, serving students at Abingdon Elementary School, Damascus Elementary School, and Meadowview Elementary School.

Throughout her 30 years in the classroom, Shirley touched the lives of countless children and families through her patience, kindness, and dedication to her student’s success, she truly shaped the future of Washington County. Following her retirement from teaching, she continued her commitment to young people and her community through active volunteer work with 4-H. Her legacy lives on in the many students she inspired, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she shared with everyone she met.

Shirley was an avid sports fan who rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game. Some of her happiest moments were spent gathered with family, cheering on favorite teams, celebrating victories, and sharing in the camaraderie that sports brought to their lives. Those special times together became cherished memories that her family will forever hold close.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Neal Mullins of Glade Spring; her daughter, Sarah Mullins of Cornelius, North Carolina; her son, Seth Mullins and wife, Laurie, of Farmville, Virginia; her step-grandson, Reid; her brother, Carl Baker of Knoxville, Tennessee; and several beloved uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 PM, Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. with Stephen Richardson officiating. A graveside committal service will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday morning at Knollkreg Memorial Park & Cremation Gardens. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home Wednesday morning at 10:45 AM. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Baker, Ray Hamonds, Arvin Gibbs, Ray Gibbs, and David Hill. Those wishing to view the funeral service from home may do so by visiting https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=745932fb-c23b-4cc5-a357-d50fbc3189fb 10 minutes prior to service time.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Valley Nursing Center and Rehabilitation Vent Unit in Taylorsville, North Carolina, for the exceptional care, compassion, and love shown to Shirley during the past two years. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort not only to Shirley but also to her family, and their support will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Shirley Ann Mullins is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.