Shirley Hurd Anderson, 92, passed peacefully December 19, 2025. She was born January 31,1933 in Liverpool, England, the youngest of seven.
Shirley was a World War II survivor, having endured the bombing of Liverpool as a child. At some point during the war, in order to be safe from the bombing, she and her twin sister were evacuated from the city to the countryside of Wales where they lived for two years.
Shirley and her first husband, Edgar, immigrated to the United States in 1959 to be closer to her twin in Cincinnati, eventually settling in Virginia Beach. It is here where she became involved in local theater. Shirley went on to become an award winning actor, performing lead roles all over Hampton Roads.
She performed at Little Theater of Virginia Beach, Norfolk Little Theater, Generic Theater, Tidewater Dinner Theater, Kempsville Playhouse, Virginia Musical Theater, Virginia Stage Company, Shakespeare by the Sea, Hampton Roads Shakespeare, and Sandler Center. Her roles varied from Greek drama (Queen Clytemnestra), Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth, Tennessee William’s Blanche DuBois, to contemporary comedy and drama. She was most proud of her one-woman show “Shirley Valentine” which she performed to sell-out audiences at Little Theater of Virginia Beach, Second Story Theater, Theater Wagon in Staunton and the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati. She also became an award winning director, with credits to include, “Twelfth Night”, “The Dining Room”, “Shakespeare’s Women”, “Bus Stop”, “My Three Angels”, and “Look Homeward Angel”. Shirley served on the Board of Directors for Tidewater Ballet and also for 12 years for Little Theater of Virginia Beach.
She earned a bachelors degree from Virginia Wesleyan College and played piano. Shirley was a resident artist for many years at The Artists Gallery. It was here with her Gallery Family that some of her closest friendships were created.
Heartfelt appreciation and thanks are warmly extended to the care givers and staff at Harbourway Atlantic Shores. Special gratitude to Vanessa for being such a loving and dear friend to Shirley in her final years.
Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband Bentley Anderson and her first husband Edgar Hurd, with whom she always remained friends. She is survived by her loving daughter Elizabeth Hurd Jones, adored son in law Kenneth M Jones and cherished grand daughter Olivia Hannaway Jones. She also leaves behind her beloved twin Veronica Hannaway along with many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Shirley’s loving step daughter Rosalind Anderson and loving grand son Evan Anderson Lovina.
Shirley lived a rich and colorful life, loving music, dance and travel. She was always up for a celebration, please join us to celebrate Shirley’s life January 6, 2026 1:00 at First Presbyterian Church 300 Thirty-Sixth Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
Condolences may be left online here.
