Shirley Ann Soper Husel

Shirley Ann Soper Husel of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 5, 2026, just two days after celebrating her 80th birthday.

Shirley was born March 3, 1946, in Bagley, Minnesota, and grew up in Fosston, where she graduated from Fosston High School. She later earned her nursing degree through St. Luke's Hospital in Moorhead, Minnesota.

On December 7, 1969, she married the love of her life, Eugene E. "Gene" Husel. Soon after, in 1970, they moved to Winston-Salem, where Shirley began her work as a neonatal intensive care nurse at Novant Hospital. Caring for fragile newborns fit her heart perfectly. Even after retiring, she stayed connected to the nurses she loved, often cooking meals and bringing them to the hospital to share.

Shirley was happiest when she was doing something for others. She was a phenomenal cook, and her kitchen was rarely quiet for long. Every Christmas she baked countless batches of cookies, carefully wrapping each one before mailing boxes to friends and family and sending them to her children's activities.

She loved tending her garden, especially her roses, and enjoyed collecting things that brought her joy over the years. Shirley also had a knack for finding a good deal and rarely passed up a bargain.

She was an avid dog lover and adored her miniature poodle, Fudge.

Shirley attended REVO Church and lived out her faith through kindness, generosity, and the way she cared for others.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Eugene E. "Gene" Husel; her daughter, Laura Ann Husel; her parents, Wendell and Phyllis Soper of Fosston, Minnesota; and many other beloved friends and family members.

She is survived by her children, Jeffery A. Husel (Brenna) and Jodi L. Husel; her grandson, Daniel A. Husel (Tori); her granddaughter, Makenzie L. McMahan; and her great-granddaughter, Dahlia Lynn Husel, whom she was delighted to meet and immediately connected with.

Her greatest joy in life was being a mom and grandma, and she loved Jeff, Jodi, Daniel, and Makenzie deeply.

She is also survived by her sisters - whose names she would sometimes call out exactly like this when trying to get someone's attention: "Holly, Bonnie, Donna, Carol!" - Holly Meyer of Minnesota, Bonnie Montgomery (Tom) of Minnesota, Donna Olson (Ken) of Wisconsin, and Carol Lowell of Minnesota, whose husband Ed preceded her in death.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her as someone who always found ways to care for the people around her - through a meal, a batch of cookies, or simply showing up when someone needed her.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now in heaven with the Lord.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with a memorial service immediately following at 4:00 PM.

She will be deeply missed, and her family will continue to carry forward the love and generosity she showed every day of her life.

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