Shirley Ruth Brackett Yarbrough

WILMINGTON – Shirley Ruth Brackett Yarbrough, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Wilmington on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Yarbrough was born on February 3, 1941, in Welch, WV, and moved to Weaverville during her childhood. She was especially proud of attending North Buncombe High School, where she was a cheerleader and played clarinet in the school band. Shirley enjoyed a fulfilling career in higher education, serving as an Administrative Associate, including positions at UNC Asheville, UNC Wilmington, and College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City. She met her husband, Gene Yarbrough, while working at the Asheville Citizen-Times before their careers in education. She was a member of Pine Valley United Methodist Church in Wilmington and a former member of Weaverville United Methodist Church. Shirley was the daughter of the late Roscoe Charles and Nettie Angel Brackett and the devoted wife of the late Vestal Eugene “Gene” Yarbrough, to whom she was married for 59 years.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Tracy Hargrove (Mark) and Beverly Brown, all of Wilmington; her cherished grandchildren, Abigail and Madelin Brown and Nicholas and Matthew Hargrove; her sister-in-law, Terry Honeycutt (Ronald) of Candler; her nephews, Tim Honeycutt (Kim) of Asheville and Scot Honeycutt (Laurie) of Candler; and Pat Angel Reese, who came to live with the family during Shirley’s childhood and remained like a sister throughout her life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, NC 28787, with Rev. Richard Blount officiating. Burial will follow in West Memorial Park, 40 Roberts St., Weaverville, NC 28787. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:15–2:15 p.m. prior to the service.

The family is deeply appreciative to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, you may give a tribute gift online to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center at lifecare.org/donate in Shirley’s name. You may also mail your gift to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center at 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Shirley’s family. Condolences may be offered under her obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.