Shirley Young, age 90, of the Arbuckle Community, went Home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Shirley was a daughter of the late Thomas and Julie Edge McKinney. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Billy Ray Young and her eight siblings: Maude Holler, Abby Davis, Mable Kirby, Lorraine Lail, Grace Buchanan, Robert, Walter, Ransom and Lester McKinney.
Shirley was a devoted woman of faith and a cornerstone of her family’s legacy. For many years, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to Young’s Mountain Music and was the beloved “Matriarch” of Young’s Tractor, the family business that has proudly served their community for over 65 years and continue to do so today. Shirley took immense pride in the work done there and found great joy in welcoming and talking with every person who walked through the door. To many she was not just a familiar face but the heart and soul of the business.
A devoted member of Young’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Shirley lived her life guided by love, kindness and service to others. Her faith was evident in all she did and she carried that spirit into her daily interactions with everyone she met. Above all, Shirley loved her family endlessly. They were her greatest joy and the center of her world. She created traditions that will be cherished for generations, including her well-known Saturday mornings spent baking four pans of brownies to share with those who came into the music hall. Shirley also had a special gift for bringing people together. Known affectionately as the “Matchmaker” of the music hall, she took delight in forming connections and nurturing relationships, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
Shirley’s memory lives on in her sons, Bobby Young (Margaret), Mark Young both of Burnsville; daughters: Carol McMahan (Terry) also of Burnsville and Lesia Harris (Mark) of Weaverville; grandsons: David Young and Shane McMahan (Melanie); granddaughter, Terri Lynn Adkins (Blake); great-grandchildren: Landrey, Morgan, Sawyer and Savannah; a sister, Jeannie McKinney; and her best friend and loving companion, Johnny the Wonder Dog.
Funeral Services will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Doctor Rocky Branch will be officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. prior to the services. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 3rd, 2026 in the Gus Young Cemetery located on Arbuckle Road.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Miss Jill and Wanda for their loving care and to Compassionate Care WNC. Their kindness and compassion will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to Oasis Shriners at 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262 or to the Yancey County Humane Society at 962 Cane River School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, Compassionate Care WNC at 856 Georges Fork Rd Burnsville NC 28714 or online at compassionatecarewnc.org or to Young’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at 2016 NC-80, Burnsville, NC 28714 To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.