With great sadness, the family and friends of Shirley Salter House announce her death at her home on July 29, 2026. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Gaby Salter; niece, Natalie Lowry (Kyle); great-nephews, Brady and Cade; and great-niece, Graye Salter.

Her beloved husband of 67 years, Jackson Harris House, preceded her in death, as did her parents, Otis E. and Eltis Hogan Salter; her brother, Donald Salter; and her nephew, Timothy E. Salter.

A recent engineering graduate of Auburn University, Jack began his career with Western Electric in Winston-Salem in 1953. Shirley was employed by a motor company on South Main until its owner retired; he recommended that Shirley apply to Wachovia Bank, just a few blocks away. On February 6, 1956, Wachovia Bank hired Shirley to work with Mr. Ralph Spaugh, the bank's high-ranking Cashier. Early in her distinguished 41-year career at Wachovia, Shirley worked with Jack Trotman, Leon Lentz, and Meade Willis, who was head of the Winston-Salem office. Shirley became assistant to John Medlin when he became head of the Winston-Salem office and worked for him until his retirement as CEO of Wachovia Bank and Trust Company, N.A. At the time of her retirement in July 1997, Shirley was assistant to Leslie M. "Bud" Baker, who succeeded John Medlin as CEO. Shirley House exemplified the Wachovia culture-customer service, community involvement, going the extra mile to help others, and kindness. Her work ethic was phenomenal; she worked tirelessly until tasks were completed. Known for their generosity and kindness and humor and bigheartedness, Shirley and Jack House are what goodness looks like.

Shirley was known to her friends and family as kind and compassionate. Her wide-ranging interests included the visual arts, music, theater, cooking, museum exhibitions, and travel abroad. Her bookshelves were filled with poetry, art history, and well-worn cookbooks.

Art enriched her life; she enthusiastically shared her knowledge and encouraged and supported the artists she knew, and introduced her friends to the idea of collecting artwork. Music was embraced by her in all forms, from classical to popular to rock and roll. Shirley was a natural at the piano as she played by ear. Her amazing memory retained the hymns she played in her church as a young person.

Amazing Grace.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/winston-salem-nc/shirley-house-12986523