Shirley Burgess Roten, age 77 of 3880 Ebenezer Church Road, Raleigh, NC went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 7. Her family mourns the loss of their beloved Shirley but rejoices in her presence with her Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. Born August 26, 1936 in Othello, NC, Shirley loved her sweet husband Ray of 58 years who gave her a valentine's card when they were only nine and twelve years old. Shirley is survived by husband Ray; two daughters Sandy Maccioli and Sherri DiLorenzo, her son-in-law Bob DiLorenzo, and seven grandchildren: Remy and Allie Maccioli, Jacqueline, Christian, Christiana, Jacob and Mathew DiLorenzo. She is also survived by her six brothers and sisters: Hazel Barbour of Burlington, NC, George Burgess, Maude Shatley, Robert Burgess, and Wayne Burgess of West Jefferson, NC as well as Rose Cook of Boone, NC. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Goldie and Oscar Burgess. Shirley's mother died when she was six weeks old and she was lovingly raised by her grandparents Wiley and Matilda Burgess. Shirley was a multi-talented woman with many interests. She was a loving homemaker who enjoyed cooking and sewing for her family. Playing cards and building puzzles were favorite pastimes, especially when enjoyed with friends and family. Her creative drive led her to design two of her own homes. The holiday season was her favorite time of the year for the special celebrations and gathering of her family. Shirley's career was as varied as her gifts. After graduating from high school, she moved from North Carolina to Washington DC to work with the FBI as a fingerprinting specialist. When she married Ray Roten May 5, 1956 they moved to Sacramento, CA at which time she became involved in the banking industry. Her career also led her to work as an accountant for NASA. Ultimately, she found her true professional passion as a real estate agent. In 2006, Shirley and Ray began annually migrating from Raleigh to enjoy the warmer winter climate of Mesa, AZ for Shirley's health. They continued to return home to Raleigh from mid-May to mid-October to spend time with their family. A celebration of Shirley's life as well as visitation with the family will be in their home at 3880 Ebenezer Church Road, Raleigh, NC from 1 pm – 3 pm Thursday, July 10. Funeral services will be held at Boone's Funeral Home at 2005 Mt. Jefferson Road, West Jefferson, NC with visitation at 9:30 am on Friday, July 11 followed a memorial at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Calloway Cemetery, West Jefferson, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations to Transitions Life Care (formerly Hospice, Wake County) or Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation at www.sjogrens.org would be appreciated. Condolences may also be left at www.boonefuneralhome.com.