Shirley Craig Mutter

DURHAM -- Shirley C. Mutter (nee Craig), age 89, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on July 29, 2023 at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, NC.

Shirley married her beloved childhood sweetheart Bob Mutter after graduating from Watts Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. Shirley began practice as a Registered Nurse for Watts Hospital in the surgical OR. She continued as a private duty nurse, and later in the East Campus Infirmary at Duke for many years. Her skill and compassion extended to neighbors, who brought all kinds of health concerns to her attention.

Shirley’s skill and experience in nursing, aligned with her unique abilities to care for others, were a perfect fit for her role as a mother. Her faithful love, care and guidance began even before her sons started school, enabling them to walk confidently into their futures. She enjoyed her sons’ creative pursuits so much that parts of her home were given new purposes. She was a skilled artist, especially oil painting. She loved music throughout her life, from playing classical piano pieces and singing in a trio in earlier years…to singing in the church choir in later years. Her loves were expressed in a nurturing delight in and promotion of the musical and artistic gifts of her sons and their friends.

Shirley was an active member First Baptist Church, Durham. Her gifts of compassion and love for the Lord made her quick to contribute to the needs of others. She and her husband Bob made their home a welcome, hospitable place for adult Bible studies, youth meetings, and support of Montagnard friends needing assistance after entering the US through the church.

Shirley worked hard to enhance the beauty of her yard with new plantings, landscaping, and grooming. She loved her deer, able to feed the brave does hand-to-mouth. Even they felt her gentle welcome.

What a wonderful person the Lord gave us in Shirley.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Bob Sr., her parents Leonard and Carrie (Pendergrass) Craig as well as all of her siblings—Lillian, Edna Earl, Doris, Carrie Lynn, Jane, Jimmy, Jack, and Bill. She is survived by sons Bob Jr. (and wife Donna) of Durham, Steve (and wife Barbara) of Sterling, VA, and David of High Point, NC; her four grandchildren Will, Stefanie, Anna and Hope; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 414 Cleveland Street, Durham, NC at 10 a.m., with Memorial Service immediately following at 11 a.m.

Arrangements for the Mutter family are under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Services. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com select Obituaries