Shirley Drake Solesbee

Shirley Drake Solesbee passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at age 90.

Shirley was born in Hendersonville, NC on Christmas Day. She worked at Drayton Mills, Abbott Lab, and BMG Music. She was a member of Hope Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. She had a heart for service, and often could be found teaching Sunday School, volunteering at Vacation Bible School, or helping someone in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Drake and Grace Harris Drake; her brothers, Charles Drake and Franklin Drake; and her sisters, Jane Drake Reynolds, Dot Drake Dunaway, and JoAnn Drake; and her granddaughter, Ericka Grace Solesbee.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Solesbee Brisson (Jack), Ronnie Solesbee (Donna), Timothy (Denise), Darroll (Rhonda), and Carroll (Tina); and a great-grandson that she raised, Jacob Briggs (Michelle); brother, Noble Drake (Irene) and sisters, Evelyn Drake Parham, Judy Drake Hall, and Wanda Drake Edwards; eight grandchildren, James Briggs (Kim), Amy Briggs Otwell (Chris), Sarah Solesbee, Stacie Stephens (Ryan), Jenifer Solesbee, Johnathan Solesbee (Leigh), Deann Solesbee (Israel), and Emily Hammet (Kameron); her great-grandchildren, Brittany Briggs (Drew), Jacob Briggs (Michelle), Jayme Briggs, Emma Baron, Kaleb Baron, Breanna Bailey, Mecca Bailey, Aspen Bailey, Brook Allen (Matthew), Chase Collins, Kayleigh Solesbee, Matthew Solesbee, Lily Raines, Jeremy Raines, Jaxon Raines, Mason Labra, Riley Labra, Kali Hammett, and Kade Hammett; and her four great-great grandchildren, Reed Briggs, CJ Allen, Micah Allen, and Miles Allen.

She lived a life filled with faith, family, and a love of nature. All will remember her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family. Some of the most cherished memories include going to church with her, gathering for her Sunday dinners, enjoying sleepovers at her house, going on hikes, playing games, reading books, and simply spending time together. She was someone you could always count on whenever you needed anything, and her love and presence will be deeply missed. She lived her life loving Jesus and her family.

Receiving of friends will be Friday, May 15, 2026 from 11:00am until 12:00pm at Eggers Funeral Home in Boiling Springs.

A Graveside Service will follow at Good Shepherd Memorial Park at 12:30pm.