Obituary - Shirley Ann Smither

Shirley Ann Smither, 95 of Varina, VA went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday afternoon, February 6, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lurlene Smither, her aunt Thelma Rowe, her sister Lillian S. Lee and is survived by her sister, Betty S. Voltz and a large circle of extended family and friends.

Shirley had a beautiful spirit and a smile that was larger than life. She loved reading her Bible and praying. Her sense of humor was keen right to the end and nothing got past Shirley. She also enjoyed going places with her sisters and friends. She lost her mother at a very early age and was raised by her aunt Thelma. Her cousin Juanita was more like a sister than a cousin growing up.

Shirley's early career started as an underwriter with Harford Insurance and after retirement from Harford she started teaching Pre-School at Southside Nazarene Church. She was a 2's and 3's teacher for 22 years. She also taught Sunday school on Sunday mornings for around 40 years. Often referred to as Miss Shirley, she retired a second time at the age of 88.

Through the years Shirley sang in the church choir and in many cantatas. She enjoyed her Sunday night Small Group meetings from church and enjoyed being at church every time the doors were open.

Shirley had a big family of nieces, nephews and many cousins who all loved her and she dearly loved them. Her large group of friends from church all loved her as well and EVERYONE called her Miss Shirley.

In her early 90's Shirley resided at Lucy Core Health Center where she met a whole new group of friends (her care takers) who took to her like family. Several of them stood at her bedside and cried the day she passed.

Shirley lived a long life. There were good times and there were trials along the way but her love for Jesus never wavered. She was a prayer warrior and when she prayed for you, you knew it. In her last days she was concerned about not being able to read her Bible but was reminded that she had so much of God's Word in her heart and mind that God understood when she couldn't read those last several days. What she wanted more than anything was for her family and other people to know Jesus like she knew Jesus.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at Southside Nazarene Church, 6851 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Interment to follow in Riverview Cemetery. 1401 S. Randolph St., Richmond, VA 23220.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lucy Corr Health Center would be appreciated. 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd., Chesterfield, VA 23832.

Checks written to Lucy Corr. Memo: In memory of Shirley Smither.