We at State Policy Network are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Shirley W. Roe, a cherished friend, steadfast supporter, and champion of State Policy Network and the state-based think tank network.
For nearly three decades, Shirley served as a thoughtful steward of the Thomas A. Roe Foundation, carrying forward the vision she shared with her late husband Tom of advancing limited government, free enterprise, and economic liberty as pathways to human flourishing. Under Shirley’s tenure, the foundation’s generosity continued to build today’s expansive network of state-based, free-market policy organizations and accelerate their success. Her unwavering commitment to these principles, combined with her genuine care for others, made her not just a donor, but a true partner in our mission.
Shirley was also deeply devoted to local philanthropy, giving of her time, talent, and treasure, as she embodied the very community spirit that strengthens our nation. From her leadership with the Greenville Garden Club to her service on the boards of Christ Church Episcopal School and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, she demonstrated daily her belief that engaging locally to help our neighbors is fundamental to America’s success.
Tracie Sharp, SPN’s President and CEO, and former longtime Roe Foundation trustee, reflected on Shirley’s legacy:
“Since Tom’s passing in 2000, Shirley has been the faithful guardian of his vision and ideals. She didn’t just preserve our founder’s legacy—she enriched the foundation’s giving with her own deep understanding of what makes this country great. Her steadfast commitment to advancing the principles Tom championed has been the cornerstone of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
“Tom and Shirley were an extraordinary partnership—they truly complemented each other and together brought much joy and value into their giving and community engagement.”
Lawson Bader, chairman of the board at SPN, also spoke to Shirley’s impact on the broader freedom movement:
“Shirley (and Tom) represented what is at the heart of American civic life – the use of one’s time, treasure and talent to pursue life, liberty and happiness. In that pursuit, their generosity benefited their local community and neighborhood, while simultaneously built a national movement dedicated to the same principles. “Legacy” is not a word we should use lightly. In Shirley’s case, however, we don’t use it enough. Next month, if you’re attending SPN’s Annual Meeting, take a moment and look around. All that hustle and bustle and energy and coordination and outright passion for principles – that’s her legacy in action.”
And Rebecca Painter, SPN’s senior vice president, reflected on Shirley’s commitment to freedom in the states:
“Shirley held onto her values with every passing decade, never wavering from what she knew to be true. She was quick to size up leaders and projects that would change the country and she did it with perfect clothes, grace that few women can claim, and a sense of humor that always lifted me up.
Tom founded SPN and the first think tank in South Carolina, spurring this entire movement. But even Tom would say that Shirley’s fire was the flame that grew it to the powerhouse we see today.”