Shirley Owens Sterling, 72, of Hayes, died peacefully Jan. 20, 2013 at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital.

Shirley retired from Virginia Institute of Marine Science as Executive Secretary after 34 years of service. She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Shirley loved to exercise and enjoyed bike riding. She was a soft spoken, kind and loving person who was completely dedicated to her family. Shirley will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Janie Owens and Bill Owens; husband, Harry B. Sterling; son, Christopher Sterling, and sister, Barbara J. Thompson.

She is survived by sons, Ronald Sterling and wife Becky, Vincent Sterling and wife Caren; four grandchildren, Tyler, Michelle, Russell and Carson; sister, Betsy Jenkins; brothers, James B. Owens, C. Mitchell Owens and Linwood Owens Sr.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Ralph VanNess Jr. were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Interment followed in Windsor Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In our mother’s memory, contributions may be given to Calvary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 332, Ordinary, Va. 23131.