Shirley Mickles Freeland Winebarger

Yadkinville - Shirley Mickles Freeland Winebarger entered the gates of heaven on January 21, 2023. Shirley was born on 5/22/47 in Yadkin County, NC to Bonson Harding Mickles and Mary Lucille Smith Mickles and was raised in a Christian home. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, as well as husband, Bryant Eugene Freeland, son, Charles Lynn Freeland, and brother, Billy Michaels. She is survived by her husband, Roger Winebarger, of the home; daughter, Rena Freeland Adams (Eric), of Lewisville, NC and son, Ramey Joe Freeland (Marna), of Boonville, NC; daughter-in-law, Penny Freeland, of Yadkinville, NC; stepdaughters, Nancy Winebarger, of Los Angeles, CA and Margie Keyantash (John), of Long Beach, CA; sisters, Bonnie Hutchins, of Yadkinville, Edith Levan, of Hiddenite, NC, Linda Lafferty (David), of Jonesville, NC, Ruth Stewart (David), of Rural Hall, NC; brothers, Bobby Mickles (Wanda) and Denny Mickles, both of Yadkinville, NC; four grandchildren, Destinee Adams, Makayla Wetrick, Gabriel Adams, Garrett Freeland; step-grandchild, Lexie Keyantash, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and Cavapoo fur baby, Kodi. Shirley is also survived by a special brother-in-law, Billy Freeland, of Westmoreland, Tennessee and his wife, Sharon.

After graduating from Yadkinville High School in 1965, Shirley worked at Security Life and Trust Insurance Company, then relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a music career. For several years, she was affiliated with Local 257 Musician’s Union. She provided backup vocals on numerous recordings for Nashville artists. In 1969, she recorded under the name of Mee and Ewe on the Pompeii Record Label and was blessed to have been on the Billboard charts for several weeks. She then became a member of the Harden Trio which recorded and made regular performances on the Grand Old Opry. The Trio traveled the United States and Canada extensively, being booked by Buddy Lee Attractions. After retiring from touring, she was employed by Porter Wagoner in his personal office in Nashville. In 1983, Shirley returned to North Carolina with her family and retired from Integon Insurance in 2003. Shirley stated “Being born in a small town in North Carolina, I have been so blessed to have been a part of the Country Music Industry where I have so many friends. God gave me a talent and I have been overjoyed to use it in Gospel and Country music. As I sing, I always pray that I am touching someone’s heart.” After retiring, Shirley and her husband, Roger, traveled extensively in the United States and overseas. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service at 4pm on Thursday, January 26th at Union Grove Baptist Church in Yadkinville.  Reverend Kenny Gooden will officiate. Shirley’s request is that in lieu of flowers, any memorials be made to the SECU Hospice of Yadkin, 243 N Lee Avenue, Yadkinville, NC 27055.  Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Winebarger family.  Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.