Maria Kathleen Arra Shirley

Maria Kathleen Arra Shirley, 73, of Fayetteville passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 in her home.

Maria was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 16, 1951, daughter to the late Thomas Peter Arra and Mary Grace Arra. After High School, she went to school and became a cosmologist. Maria was a caring mother to her three children, loved to eat her sweets and play games on her phone. She would open her home to anyone in need and would treat them like her own family. Maria loved to go Ballroom dancing and won several awards during her competitions. She loved her family most of all and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Maria is survived by her children, April Maria Humphrey of Fayetteville, Anthony Philip Shirley and his wife Catina of Wilmington, NC, Rhonda Tomasina Shirley of Fayetteville; a sister, Jo Ann Arra Malone of Florida and her children Wayne and Tony; 2 grandchildren, Chloe Shirley, Braydon Shirley and a host of extended family members.

A Celebration of life service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304 with Richie Rodriguez officiating.