Obituary of Shirley Smith

CHESHIRE- Evelyn Shirley Smith, 77, passed peacefully Wednesday September 28, 2011 at her home in Cheshire. She was the beloved wife of 56 years to William T. Smith. They moved to Cheshire in 1968. Shirley was born August 3, 1934 in Amarillo, Texas daughter of the late Leland and Evelyn (Schriber) Brown. She was preceded in death by her brother, Stanford Brown. Shirley was a graduate of Amarillo High School, and received a Bachelors Degree in Education from Texas Tech University. Professionally, Shirley began as a pre school teacher and after raising her children became a real estate agent. She was a member of the Mount Carmel Congregational Church in Hamden, the Highland Park Methodist Women's Club in Dallas, the Cheshire Women's Club and the New Haveners Club. With an ever curious nature, Shirley was an avid traveler, bridge player and lover of the arts throughout her life. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. In order to be with her children and grandchildren, she divided her time between Connecticut and her home state of Texas. Besides her husband, Bill, Shirley is survived by her son Stanford and his wife Melissa Smith of Guilford, two daughters, Shirlene Smith of Dallas, Texas, and Alison and her husband Michael Thomas also of Dallas, and four grandchildren Wills, Logan, Michael Joseph, and Olivia. Her love for her husband, children and grandchildren was always evident in her kindness, generosity and loving spirit. She will always be remembered for her unyielding support of her family and many friends and her gentle, radiant smile. She will be sorely missed by many. Arrangements- A Funeral Service for Shirley will be held at 11 A.M. Monday October 3, 2011 at Mount Carmel Congregational Church, 3284 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06518. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday October 2, 2011 from 3 to 5 P.M. at The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410. Donations in Shirley's name may be made to Mount Carmel Congregational Church, 3284 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06518.