Shirley Gail Senter, 81, of Dryden, Virginia, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the home of her son in Keokee, Virginia, surrounded by the love of her family after a final battle with cancer.
Born in Grundy, Virginia, Shirley grew up in the beautiful mountains she would always call home. In 1985 she settled in Dryden, where she built a life filled with love, faith, and family. She worked for many years as a seamstress at DeRoyal Industries, where her skill and steady hands were admired by coworkers and friends.
Shirley was a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and simple joys. She found happiness in the work of her hands—quilting treasured keepsakes for her family, canning with love for her family, and preparing meals that gathered her loved ones around the table. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Those who knew Shirley will remember her strength, her perseverance, her kindness, her gentle humor, and her unwavering love. She taught by example, living a life of humility, devotion, and care for others.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carter and Mandy (Rice) Senter; and her siblings Dallas Senter, Laddis Senter, Evelene Smith, Josephine Branham, Alfred Senter, and Myrel Stiltner.
Shirley’s greatest legacy is her family, who will forever cherish her memory: her children Carter Balser of Dryden, VA; Jeffery Scott Balser (Cathy) of Keokee, VA; Amanda Bedell (Chris) of Clarksville, TN; and Carolyn Hall of Dryden, VA. She was a proud grandmother to Nathan Carrion (Ashley), Nicole Carrion, Baileigh Bedell, Carter Bedell, Noah Bedell, Kaden Mallory, Leigha Mallory, and Willow Mallory; and a beloved great-grandmother to Ryder Carrion, Cooper Carrion, Christian Thomas, and Daisy Becraft (expected). She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.
Though her passing leaves a deep emptiness, Shirley’s love will continue to live on in the lives she touched and the memories she gave. She will be dearly missed by all.
Final arrangements will be private, and the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory do so by spending time with their loved ones—just as she always cherished most.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Shirley Gail Senter.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.