Shirley Dalton Pace

Shirley Rebecca Dalton Pace, 83, of Madison Heights, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on April 14, 1941, in Montgomery County, Virginia, she was the beloved wife of George Franklin Pace, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage.

Shirley was the devoted daughter of the late Bertha “Granny B” Harper and her late stepfather Hobart Leroy Harper. She was a proud graduate of Lord Botetourt High School, Class of 1960. She and George made their home and raised their children in Vinton, Virginia, before moving to Madison Heights, Virginia, in 1981.

Guided by strong faith and a generous spirit, Shirley gave freely of her time and talents to support those around her. She was an active member of Vinton Baptist Church, where she volunteered in various children’s ministries and participated in the Alma Hunt Circle–Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). She also held multiple leadership roles in the Vinton Junior Woman’s Club. Shirley was a dedicated and loving childcare provider who nurtured and cared for countless children and families over more than 30 years.

She found joy in caring for her family, hosting holiday gatherings, and crafting—especially quilting and scrapbooking. She treasured dinners with her close circle of friends, “First Friday” family card game nights, and watching televised bowling matches. She also greatly enjoyed the Pace family tradition of cooking homemade apple butter every October with her extended family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, George F. Pace; her daughter, Theresa Pace McNabb (Russell); her son, Howard Anthony “Tony” Pace; her granddaughters, Faren McNabb Ahlman (Marc) and Meagan Pace Southard (Tristan) and her grandson by heart, Brandon Terry (Lauren). She is also survived by her cherished sisters-in-law, Carleen Pace Hayden, Emma Jean Pace Johnson, and Patricia Pace Schmidt.

A visitation for friends and family will be held at Whitten Monelison Chapel on April 11, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A graveside service will take place at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke on April 12, 2025 at 2:00pm and all who knew and loved Shirley are welcome to attend.

She will be remembered for her kind heart, strong faith, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Amherst County, in honor of Shirley’s lifelong love of cats.