Esther Mary Jeanette Shorter, 72, of Morgantown passed away on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at her home. She was born in Gulliver, Mich. on July 22, 1949, a daughter of the late Chester and Frances Ellen Brindley Sherriff.
Esther was born with a great big heart and loved taking care of people. She began in her early years by helping out with her nine siblings and carried on from there. Throughout her life, she worked as a certified nurse’s aid then volunteered at the Salvation Army and also the Headstart program her children attended. In 2002 she went back to school to receive her GED to be able to work with older people and was still employed with Senior Companions.
Esther had an adventurous soul as well. She loved to travel and experience new places. Her most recent years were filled with impromptu trips to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Florida and the Outer Banks. She especially loved going on cruises. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and sewing in her quiet time at home.
She married the love of her life, Melvin Earl Shorter Sr., on Sept. 11, 1972. They lived a colorful life throughout their 40 wonderful years together and raised two great sons. She was devoted to her family and cherished her time spent with friends, family and her grandchildren.
She is survived by two sons, Melvin Shorter Jr. and his fiancé Pamela, of Morgantown, and Daniel Shorter and his fiancé Amy, of McClellandtown, Pa.; two brothers, David and Dale Sherriff; four sisters, Barbara Jean Sherriff-Hahn, Donna Pfeiffer, Diane Justice and Lois Lewis; her grandchildren, Tristan Shorter, Aaron Shorter, Ashley Shorter, Tyler (Jacie) Shorter, Areauna Shorter, Bethany (Michael) Tate, Christian Gomez, Falisatie Gomez and Evin Gomez; and greatgrandchildren, Michael and Madison Tate.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Shorter Sr. who passed March 3, 2011; one son, Paul Robert Shorter, brothers and sisters, Donald Sherriff, Marie Mueller and Anna Mae Sherriff; and one grandson Alexander Ast.
Friends may call at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant St. Fairmont, from 1-3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20. A service will be held at the funeral home, at 3 p.m., Friday, with Pastor Carl Radcliff officiating. In keeping with the wishes of the deceased, her body will be cremated. Donations may be made to Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home to offset funeral expenses.
Condolences:
www.carpenterandford.com
