Shirley Ann Smallwood, 80, of Morgantown, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Point Manor in Point Marion, Pa., after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Shirley was born Nov. 4, 1938, the daughter of the late Harry M. Stiles and Mary Mabel Stiles (Rice). She was a devoted and loving wife, mother of four children and seven grandchildren.
Shirley was a long-time member at Suncrest United Methodist Church. She was very active in many groups within the church, including the United Methodist Women, where she held several different positions throughout her tenure. For several years, she and husband, Don went on several church sponsored missionary trips to help restore homes in areas of the country affected by natural disasters.
In the midst of her very busy schedule, she still made time for her family where she was a proud wife, mother and homemaker. Her baking skills were overboard as she created a multitude of Christmas cookies for family, friends and the church. She baked so many cookies they had to be stored in the garage…until she depleted the supply by sharing them with family and friends. And let’s not forget her famous potato salad which was always a favorite at family events.
Shirley enjoyed so many activities, but three outstanding points come to mind. She was an avid bowler, scoring games over 200 and competing in tournaments throughout the state. She loved a good jigsaw puzzle challenge, which she always worked to the last piece. But I would say her greatest joy was to travel. She loved any excuse to get in the car and go. Upon Don’s retirement, they began their bucket list of visiting every state in the U.S., capping it off with cruises in Alaska and Hawaii. Shirley, your journey is complete.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Donald E. Smallwood Sr.; sons, Donald Smallwood Jr., Steven Smallwood, Jeffrey Smallwood and wife, Shelley; daughter, Sandra Smallwood and wife, Meredith McCue; grandchildren, Casey Smallwood, Callie Smallwood, Zachary Smallwood, Michael Smallwood, John Smallwood and Stephanie Rico; sisters, Lovena Conklin, Luella Frey, Carolyn Riggie and Linda Hadsell; and brother, Duane Stiles.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Wesley Smallwood; sister-in-law, Judy Stiles; and brothers-in-law, James Conklin, Dave Riggie and Verne Frey.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Visitation will continue at Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown, from 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mike Estep and Pastor Junius Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, for the Respite Care Program.
Condolences: hastingsfuneralhome.com
