Shirley Jones Mallard

Shirley Jones Mallard, 90, died peacefully surrounded by family on January 24, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. A beloved resident of Croasdaile Village retirement community—her home for nearly 19 years—Shirley was a beautiful person inside and out, continually seeking opportunities to offer help and spread joy. Her long, wonderful life was lived with true purpose and supported by her strong faith, which she never let waver even when times were tough.

Cheerful, vivacious, kind, and affectionate (countless people—including strangers!—had the pleasure of receiving her “grandma hugs”), Shirley was a bright light and talented person who accomplished a great deal in her 90 years. A graduate of Durham High School and Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, with a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Shirley taught high school French for many years. She became interested in genealogy in the 1970s, and that interest grew into a passion that led to books that can be accessed via Duke University Libraries, Durham County Library, UNC University Libraries, and Granville County Genealogical Society. It brought her immense pleasure to share with others all the illuminating genealogical information she gathered.

Shirley was also an impressive quilter, knitter, and crocheter, crafting myriad beautiful pieces. Among these were crosses that she would take to the residents of Croasdaile Pavilion—the skilled nursing section of her retirement community—to uplift the spirits of those who needed it.

Asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said, “She loved a good joke.” Though very true, she should be remembered most for the positive impact she had on this world. Now, she is with Jesus and blissfully reunited with those she loved who passed before her. These include the love of her life, her dear husband John Franklin Mallard; her parents, Edward and Dora Jones; her sister Evelyn Buchanan; and her loving partner Robert Minter.

Shirley is survived by daughter Katherine Watkins and husband Robin; son Richard Winslow III and wife Harriet; stepchildren Carol Kershaw and husband Robert, Katherine Lindsey and husband John, and John Mallard and wife Deborah; grandson Richard Winslow IV; granddaughter Maggie Seidel and husband David; great-grandson David Seidel; step-grandchildren Matthew Kershaw, Katherine Kershaw, Lauren Mallard, and Emily McHugh; and brother Edward Jones and wife Julie.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held in Few Chapel at Croasdaile Village on Saturday, February 7, at 11 am with memorial reception to follow. A private interment was held Thursday, January 29, at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, with arrangements under the care of Hall- Wynne Funeral Service. In Shirley’s memory, you may wish to make contributions to the Benevolent Care Fund, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Suite A-500, Durham, NC 27705 or to a charity of your choice.