Virginia Beach, VA – Shirley Lee (Snellings) McCutcheon, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on August 2, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, on December 9, 1941, Shirley was the daughter of the late Annie and James Snellings, Sr. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, William “Joe” McCutcheon, Sr., and her brother, James “Jimmy” Snellings, Jr.

A lifelong Norfolk and Virginia Beach resident, Shirley achieved professional success as a dedicated real estate agent in the Tidewater area for over 35 years. She took immense pleasure and fulfillment in the personal, hands-on process of helping people find their perfect home, guiding countless families with her expertise and care.

Shirley possessed her own vibrant spirit and unique passions, none greater than her profound love for dogs. Next to her human family, her dogs were the absolute center of her world. She also found great joy in gardening, pouring her creativity into her yard, which was always full of beautiful flowers and plants. She was a gifted seamstress who could remarkably sew anything without using a pattern, taking great joy in crafting beautiful clothes for her children and loved ones. Shirley will be remembered by all for her timeless beauty and fashion sense. She possessed exquisite taste, always dressing with style, grace, and sophistication.

Shirley loved the holidays and went all out decorating, cooking, and buying Christmas gifts for everyone. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, she prepared a huge feast for her entire family and friends each year at her home.

Shirley loved listening to reggae and rap music and was often referred to as the “coolest grandma” in the world. Her grandchildren will never forget her sassy attitude and wicked sense of humor. When they stayed at Grandma’s house, they lived by the following rule: what happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's.

Shirley was unendingly proud of her children and grandchildren and was the happiest when her home was filled with their laughter and energy. Her legacy of unconditional love continues through her four children, William “Joe” McCutcheon, Jr., Talmage “Jimmy” McCutcheon, April McCutcheon, and Troy McCutcheon (Betsy); nine grandchildren, Christopher McCutcheon (Ashley), Madison “Maddie” McCutcheon, Talmage “T.J.” McCutcheon, Jr., Tyler McCutcheon, Kevin Dickerson, Kory Dickerson, Kendall Dickerson (Marissa), Brigitte McCutcheon, and Matthew McCutcheon; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving sister, Carolyn Robbins (Jack) and her four children.

She found great joy in helping others and was unfailingly generous with her love and time. It is the hope of her family that we can pay tribute to her by living our lives with that same generosity of spirit, nurturing others, helping dogs, and cultivating beauty in a way that would make her proud. We love you, Mom, and you will forever be our heart.

Shirley’s family would like to thank Interim Hospice who provided her care over the past four months. She loved her special angel, Kaylyn, whose tender and compassionate care brought comfort to Shirley and her entire family during this difficult time.

Her family will be having a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for both Shirley and William “Joe” McCutcheon, Sr. on October 11, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your local SPCA to honor Shirley’s memory.

Simply Cremation is handling the arrangements.