SHIRLEY MANSPILE

Shirley Tolley Manspile of Natural Bridge Station passed from her earthly life on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Havenwood Assisted living in Lexington. 

Shirley was born on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1942, at her family’s home in Natural Bridge Station, the youngest child of John L. and Kathleen Witt Tolley.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Joseph W. “Joe” Manspile Jr.  She was also preceded in death by each of her siblings, Leonard W. Tolley, Juanita Tolley Noel and her husband Ralph, and Raymond E. “Gene” Tolley and his wife Sadie. 

Shirley was a member of Natural BridgePentecostal HolinessChurch (now Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship).

She retired from Rockbridge County Schools after serving as an instructional aide for more than 40 years. It was here that she found her joy. She loved her job and loved all of the little ones with whom she worked.  She talked about them constantly and marveled at their successes.

Other than the school system, Shirley also worked for a number of years as a dental assistant, at the Natural Bridge Caverns and as an assistant manager at the Natural Bridge of Virginia.

Aside from her paid employment, Shirley was a passionate housekeeper and prided herself in keeping an immaculate home that was carefully and tastefully decorated.  She loved all of the holidays but most especially Christmas and made it a happy, memorable time for all.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Lisa M. Martin and her son, Joseph K. “Joey” Manspile (Dawn); grandchildren, Caleb Manspile (Julianna), Claire M. DePoy (Mitch), Kyle Manspile (Leslie), and Chloe M. Mitchell (Dylan); great-grandchildren Cooper Manspile, Scarlett DePoy and Heidi Manspile, who is expected to arrive on Shirley’s birthday, Oct. 14; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and a very special and caring friend, Kimberly Knick.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Havenwood Assisted Living and to the staff of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Harrison Funeral Chapel by Dr. Timothy Madison, a longtime friend, and the Rev. Mark Tolley, Shirley’s nephew. Entombment will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Harrison Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.