Shirley Maye Conley Spurlock, age 86, of Salyersville, Kentucky, went to be with her Lord on January 13, 2025. She was born on September 4, 1938, in Minefork, Kentucky, to Rocky and Irene Cooper Conley. She was the youngest of five siblings, who welcomed her with love: Harold, Hilda, Curt, and Phyllis, all of whom preceded her in death. Shirley, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, quickly proved to be a spirited and lively child, endearing herself to all who knew her.
Shirley grew up on Minefork and graduated from Salyersville High School. She attended Lees Junior College in Hazard, Kentucky, where she fondly recalled her crowning as Miss Circle K Queen during football season, an accomplishment she cherished. However, her time at Lees was cut short when love entered the picture in the form of David Spurlock, who was attending Morehead State University and playing basketball. The young couple, unable to stand being apart, married and began their life together.
In 1961, they were blessed with their son, David F. Spurlock II, who weighed almost 10 pounds. From that moment, Shirley found her true calling as a loving wife, devoted mother, and homemaker. Her family was everything to her, and she always made sure they knew she was there for them, no matter the circumstance.
Shirley was a passionate Kentucky Basketball fan and a devoted Sunday School teacher at Salyersville First Baptist Church. She was also a proud member of The Daughters of the American Revolution and was known for her incredible cooking, especially her famous cathead biscuits. She was Little Dave’s biggest cheerleader, attending every basketball and baseball game he played during his high school years. She lovingly embraced the nickname he gave her, “Pinhead,” and a smile would light up her face every time he called out to her.
While Shirley experienced the ups and downs of life, she always chose to remember the good and held a firm belief in redemption. She was a woman of deep faith, and her love and support for her family never wavered.
Shirley and her beloved son, Little Dave, shared a bond that transcended time, and they both entered into their eternal rest on January 13, 2025, the same day. Shirley’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her grandsons, Evan Spurlock and Trey Spurlock ; her nieces Lisa Borders, Terisa, Marsha Conley, and Jana Adams; and nephews Mike Conley, Jerry Holbrook and Glenn Holbrook.
A memorial service in their honor will be held at 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025, at Salyersville First Baptist Church. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and legacy starting at 4:00 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Salyersville First Baptist Church in Shirley’s memory. Arrangements are under the direction of the Steen Funeral Home of Ashland, Kentucky.
Rest in peace, Shirley, and may you be forever in the Lord’s loving embrace.
