Shirley Nesbitt Daye, 82, wife of Dennis E. Daye, died Sunday, October 21, 2012. She was born in Harrisburg, NC, December 1, 1929, a daughter of the late George and Bessie Barbee Nesbitt. Shirley graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1947, and studied secretarial science at Catawba College, Salisbury, NC in 1947–48.

She worked as secretary to the administrative staff of Cabarrus Hospital, Concord, NC from 1948 to 1955, and married Dennis Daye on May 3, 1952. They lived in Chapel Hill, NC while he attended The University of North Carolina and she worked with Hollywood screen writers and the late Kay Kyser, a big band director. She was part of the original staff of UNC-ETV on opening day in January, 1955. From late 1955 to 1958, she was senior secretary to the Dean of the University Graduate School.

Shirley and Dennis moved to Columbia, SC in 1958 and joined Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where they worked with the youth groups and Sunday school classes. Mrs. Daye was President of the Columbia Newcomers and Colony Clubs in the 1960's and 70's.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years; daughters, Diana Abromaitis (Dave) of Columbia and Pamela Wills (Mark) of Augusta, GA; and grandchildren, Brad, Rachel, Mark Jr. and Nash.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the nursing and nursing assistant staff at the Presbyterian Community of Columbia and Harmony Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Employees' Christmas Fund at the Presbyterian Community, 7800 DaVega Dr, Lexington, SC 29073 or to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29204.

A memorial service for Mrs. Daye will be held at 11 o'clock, Friday, October 26, 2012 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, officiated by Dr. Bradley D. Smith. The family will greet friends following the service in the church parlor. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.