Funeral Services for Shirley “Pat” Straight, 96, of Greensboro, North Carolina, formerly of Wayne, will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 20 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wayne, with visitation at the church, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 19. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery Wayne.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
She died suddenly Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Shirley Lenora "Pat" Straight (née Hook), a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the age of 96.
Born on February 25, 1930, in Wayne, Nebraska, Pat was the cherished daughter of Theodore Stephen Hook and Lenora Parry Hook. Her passion for education and music began early in life and guided her journey as she pursued both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education and music from Nebraska State Teachers College. These achievements laid the groundwork for her distinguished career as an elementary school teacher.
Pat began her teaching career in Cherokee, Iowa and Sholes, Nebraska before returning to Wayne, Nebraska, to teach at Wayne Elementary School. She dedicated herself to nurturing young minds with compassion and enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impact on her students and colleagues alike.
Pat shared a loving marriage with Lloyd Howard Straight, married on June 21, 1952, until his passing in 2008. Together, they built a life centered on family values at their farm near Wayne. Family was the cornerstone of Pat’s life; she found immense joy in celebrating milestones and supporting her loved ones.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons Richard Lloyd Straight and Donald Lee Straight; daughters-in-law Tammy Christine Straight and Jenise Lynee Straight; grandchildren Katie Gangwish (David), Justen Straight (Ashlei), Jordan Straight, Conley Straight, and Cody Straight; and great-grandchildren Karrigan Gangwish, Brynn Gangwish, Kyla Gangwish, Jackson Straight, and Codyn Straight. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd; son Douglas Wayne Straight; grandson Richard Kyle Straight and daughter-in-law Laura Lynne Straight; parents Theodore and Lenora Hook; and siblings Dorothy Hook Hamilton (Arthur), Marjorie Hook Whitmore (Quentin), and Barbara Hook Craun (Dale).
A lifelong member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church and later an associate member of Mount Pisgah Church in Greensboro, Pat lived her faith through service to others. A member of PEO, a turn being Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, a 70 year member of Eastern Star, Acme Club, Retired Teachers Association. As well the Red Hat Society.
In her later years at Harmony of Greensboro, Pat’s warmth and humor continued to bring joy to those around her. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as an educator and through the enduring love of her family.
May Shirley Lenora "Pat" Straight’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
