Shirley Ann Prettyman was born Sept. 29, 1940 in Laurel to Leon Larry and Lola May Hastings, and was the youngest of four children. She graduated from Laurel Senior High School in 1958. She and her late husband of nearly 43 years, Freddie Allen Prettyman, were poultry farmers in Laurel. She was an avid reader who passed along her love of reading to her children. She had a “green thumb” and enjoyed gardening and growing flowers and plants all of her life. Shirley also had an artistic side. Many of the pictures of houses she painted on slate and shovels are cherished by her family members, along with the scenes she would create at “paint nights.”  

Her Sunday afternoon dinners of roast beef and dumplings were a staple to her family and will be missed. Her family would always look forward to gathering at her home for food, fun, and laughs on Christmas Eve, which will no longer be the same.

Shirley passed away Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 at her home in Laurel, surrounded by her family, after battling cancer for over two years. Her family provided her support and strength during those challenging years, but she was also greatly supported by her niece Pat Lankford, her sister-in-law Clara Belle Prettyman, Sally King, Robert Smith, and her granddaughter Candace Gaull, all of whom provided care, comfort, and companionship.

Shirley is survived by her beloved dog, Roxy; cats, Cleo and Maxine; her six children, Lee Hastings of Salisbury, Jessica (Bill) Gaull, Darrell (Patricia) Hastings, Glena (Michael) Larmore, Julie Davis, and Mark (Sarah) Prettyman, all of Laurel; 17 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members, all of whom she loved dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Lola; her husband, Freddie; her previous husband, Bill Spear; and her siblings, Avery Cordery, Carrol Cordery, and Alton Hastings. Interment of her ashes will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5 at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.