Shirley Hoiland Tenney

Shirley Hoiland was born to Esther and Richard Hoiland in 1934 in Philadelphia, PA. She began her education in local public schools, graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1951. She went on to Oberlin College, majoring in religion and receiving an AB degree in 1955. That was followed by three years at Yale University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing.

Shirley married Oberlin classmate James B. Tenney in 1958 and supported his journey through medical school, US Navy (submarine service), and graduate school in Public Health. His assignments took the family to Great Lakes, IL, Washington, DC, Groton, CT, Pearl Harbor, HI, Baltimore, MD, and ultimately to Asheville, NC, where Jim’s parents had settled, and he accepted the position of Health Director for Buncombe County. Jim died in 1998.

Shirley’s professional career included Public Health in Philadelphia, visiting nurse in Baltimore, nurse practitioner certification also in Baltimore, and finally in various capacities at Asheville’s VA Medical Center, where she developed and directed its home health program for 10 years. She also served as an officer in nursing organizations and as a volunteer/board member for United Way, Caring for Children, Leadership Asheville, and College for Seniors.

Born to Shirley and Jim were Susan Ruth Tenney (1959), Martha Jean Tenney (1961), Barbara Tenney Vander Wall (1963), and Carol Tenney Moore (1966), all of whom have pursued gratifying professional employment.

Following Jim’s death, Shirley attended her 50th high school reunion, where she got reacquainted with Paul Merriken, a 40-year employee of US Steel. They were married and lived together in Arden, NC, until moving to Givens Estates in 2011. Paul passed away in 2023.

In addition to her parents and previous husband, Shirley was predeceased by her sister, Barbara Hoiland Arnesman, and son-in-law, Michael James Twaddle. She is survived by her daughters, Susan, Martha (Ken Malcolm), Barbara (Timothy Clark Vander Wall), and Carol (Tim Moore); grandchildren, Eleanor Shirley Vander Wall, Theodore Harris Vander Wall, Madeline Leigh Moore, Taylor Logan Moore, Dylan Tenney Moore, and Hannah Kathryn Moore.

As she planned, Shirley’s body was released to Genesis, Medical Education & Research Institute. She requested no public services. She hopes that others may pursue a satisfying life similar to the one that she treasured.

To those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, 50 South French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 (828-255-0696).

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