Shirley Smith Ryall of Delmar passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 at her home in Delmar surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 15, 1946 in Salisbury, a daughter of the late Beulah Mae (Hamilton) West and Charles West, Sr.
Shirley graduated from Delmar High School with the class of 1964, where she loved sports and excelled in basketball and field hockey. After graduation, she married Marvin L. Smith, Sr. and together they had two children, Marvin Jr. and Christine. She went on to get her nursing degree from Delaware Tech and worked many years in a doctor’s office setting and private duty nursing. She also had Shirley’s Ceramic Shop in her home for many years. She was a member of the Red Hat Club, Delmar VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and the Salisbury Moose Ladies Auxiliary. Shirley was a longtime member of the former Delmar Wesleyan Church.
She loved going to the beach, especially Assateague and Ocean City, and would rarely miss an opportunity to get some boardwalk fries while there. She enjoyed watching movies, dancing, and Christmas time. She was a wonderful cook, and she loved to eat, one of her specialties to make was chicken and dumplings. Most importantly she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by a son, Marvin Lee Smith, Jr. of Delmar; a daughter, Christine Mae Smith Cannon of Delmar; grandchildren, Robert Lee Smith (Jessica), Matthew Thomas Smith (Renee), David Charles Smith (Autumn), Sarah Mae Elizabeth Smith-Kelley (Mitch), Michael Eugene Carpenter (Christa), and Nathaniel Joseph Cannon; great-grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Emmit, Owen, Everly, Miley, Grady, Chance, Isla, Damon, Kaya, Kierra, Saylor, and Callie; a sister, Kathy Kenney; a brother, Edward Pusey; her granddog, Boost; and many extended family members.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Lee Smith, Sr.; a great-grandson, Oliver; and brothers, Charles West, Jr. and Robert West.
A visitation for family and friends was held on Sunday, Oct. 3 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, followed by a funeral service. Pastor Wayne Parsons officiated. Interment followed the service in St. Stephens Cemetery in Delmar.
In memory of Shirley, contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Association by visiting www.diabetes.org. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.