Shirley Anne Topping

Shirley Anne Spicer Topping was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 8, 1936, and entered into heaven on May 31, 2021 at the age of 85. Her spirit will be carried on by many people, including her six sons, 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, one surviving sibling in Richmond, Virginia “Merna”, and an extended family of relatives and friends from every walk of life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Topping in 1989. Shirley grew up in Richmond, Virginia and studied to be a Registered Nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, graduating in 1957. She loved her job as a Registered Nurse and 3rd floor nursing supervisor at St. Luke’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia where she stayed until she had a family. During this time she was introduced to her husband, Charlie and despite promises to herself that she would not get involved with the football star from Wake Forest, he captured her heart. Shirley and Charlie were married in 1961 and quickly started their family, which grew to six boys: Chuck “Charles, Jr.”, Randy, Terry, Kel, Steve and Corey. They lived in several cities while Charlie worked for Ford Motor Credit. They settled in Chattanooga where Charlie started a successful tractor business and Shirley took care of her husband, their sons, her sons’ friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and her church. She dedicated her life to caring for others above herself and was often writing notes, bringing meals, helping with medical needs, anything that she could do to serve others. Shirley loved her church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga and faithfully served in the altar guild for 43 years. She was honored at the end of her service in the guild with the naming of The Topping Sacristy. Shirley is survived by her sons, Chuck (Susie) Topping, Randy (Lisa) Topping, Terry Topping, Kel (Karen) Topping, Steve (Liz) Topping, and Corey Topping, grandchildren, Nick (Holley) Topping, Lauren (Brandon) Abbott, Haley (Campbell) Topping, Catelyn (Erich) Topping, Meredith Topping, Britney (Richie) Wilkerson, Lindsay (Taylor) Riley, McKenzie Topping, Miriam Hernandez, Adrian Topping, Pippa Topping, and Millie Topping and 9 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on June 10, 2021 from 10am to 1pm with Memorial service to follow at 1pm at 848 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.lanefh.com (423)877-3524