Shirley Ann Ferguson

In Loving Memory of Shirley Ann Ferguson

Shirley Ann Ferguson, 86, of Blountville, TN, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

It is with heartfelt love that we remember a remarkable woman whose life was woven with faith, family, service, and love. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, nurse, reverend, and friend. Above all, she loved God, her family, and the people whose lives she touched.

She was the daughter of Coy Rufus Barker and Ruby May Morgan. She was preceded in death by her father and mother and late husband Ibrahim Salama, siblings Robert Barker, Betty White, and Margaret Ferguson. She is survived by her siblings Coy Barker Jr., Gerald Barker, Mary Rhoton, and David Barker.

She shared her life with her beloved husband, George Andrew Ferguson I for 47 years and together they built a family that became one of her greatest joys. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Ayad and Hazel Salama of Kingsport, TN, Elaine and Mark Boggs of Kingsport, TN and Andy and Heather Ferguson of Weber City, VA as well as her 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who brought additional joy and love to her life.

She earned an associate degree in nursing and dedicated much of her life to caring for others as a nurse and serving others as a reverend. Her faith was an important part of who she was. She attended Gate City United Pentecostal Church and was involved in the Tabitha Ministry, where her heart for helping others could shine.

She found joy in the simple and beautiful things of life. She loved sewing, quilting, reading, Scrabble, crossword puzzles, birdwatching, and flowers. A master seamstress, she had a gift for creating beauty with her hands. She also enjoyed being part of the Crochet Club and the Farmers Market.

One of the sayings that reflected her remarkable ability and determination was, "If you can make one, you can make one thousand." Those words spoke not only to her talent as a seamstress and crafter, but also to the generous spirit she carried throughout her life.

She was, in many ways, like a beautiful quilt with impeccable stitching that covered everyone she knew and loved. Each person in her life was a different thread-unique and precious-and she had a way of bringing people together, surrounding them with warmth, faith, kindness, and love. The patterns she created through a lifetime of caring will remain long after her passing.

Her legacy will live on in the family she cherished, the people she served, the faith she shared, and the countless lives made warmer because she was part of them.

Graveside Service will be held at Hamlet Dobson Memorial Gardens (across from the airport) on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Officiating: Pastor Danny Grizzle

Though Shirley will be deeply missed, the love she stitched into the lives of those around her will never unravel. Her memory will remain a treasured part of the beautiful quilt of her family, her faith, and her community.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.