Obituary of Shirley Putnam

Shirley Dilling Putnam, Age 90, of Lexington, SC, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023 after an afternoon spent with loved ones who enjoyed her sweet smiles and wit to her final hour.  Shirley was born August 28, 1933 to Roy E. Dilling and Lottie Yount Dilling in Matthews, NC.  Being the youngest of three children with older siblings, Bill Dilling (Gerry) and Margaret Tench (Ross), she was adored as a young girl by her family.  Shirley and her siblings remained best friends enjoying life along the way as their families grew.  After graduation from East Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte, NC in 1951 and, a brief courtship, she and the love of her life, Forrest Craven Putnam, were united in marriage. Shirley loved married life even when “Putt” was stationed in Germany. Her workplace positions were of clerical nature at NC Telephone Co., with Dr. John Archer DMD, at Baptist Medical Center, and Midlands Technical College. Shirley and Putt’s married life moved them to several locations in NC with his career before finally settling in Lexington, SC in 1974.   They were happily married for 47 years before his passing in 1999.  Their union blessed them with 3 sons, Steven Forrest (Debbie), David Charles (deceased) (Jackie), and Daniel John (Judy).  Upon the birth of her first grandchild, she was honored with the title of “Granny”, a role she adored.  She was blessed with three grandsons, Christopher (Heather), John Thomas, and Matthew. Her latest blessing was her great grandson, Asher.

A woman of great faith, Shirley loved her Lord and her family. We rejoice in knowing she now resides in her heavenly home. The family would like to thank all the caregivers who took care of her in recent years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations can be made to:

Shriners Children’s Hospital, Office of Development, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605

Her favorite scripture as noted in one of her Bibles:

John 14:1-3 KJV

1. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself: that where I am, there ye may be also.