Shirley Freeman Elton, age 80, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at her home. Shirley was born in Chucky, TN and was the daughter of the late Farris and Ada Freeman. She grew up in Bostic, attended Bostic School and Cool Springs High School. After her husband, Lester Elton retired from the Navy, she returned with her family to Rutherford County. She attended Isothermal Community College and graduated from Gardner Webb with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. Shirley worked in the Mental Health field as a licensed Social Worker for 25 years. During that time she was one of the pioneers in starting the Domestic Violence program in Rutherford County and served as president for one year and counselor for two years. She attended Spindale Presbyterian Church for years and Tri City Baptist Church of Forest City. Shirley is survived by her children, Robert and Luann Wilkins of Lewisville, NC, Cindy and Larry Thompson of Chesapeake, VA, Jack and Connie Wilkins of Virginia Beach, VA, Kim Wilkins of Forest City, Pam and Chris Radford of Forest City, Lester “Tiger Elton and Dana of Forest City; eighteen grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; three nieces and five nephews. She will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the community. Funeral services will be held 11AM Friday, July 3, 2015 at Crowe’s Mortuary with Rev. James Hollandsworth officiating. Interment will be in Cool Springs cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 AM prior to the service at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri City Baptist Church, Forest City, NC 28043.