It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey Shockley English, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, who left us on Tuesday, Jan. 28. She was born on July 19, 1942, in Riverton, Md., a daughter of the late Norris K. “Bob” and Velda Bradley Shockley.
A proud graduate of Mardela High School’s class of 1960, Audrey often looked back fondly on her days at Sharptown Elementary. Later in life, she returned to Northwestern Elementary, where she mentored young students and helped them understand the value of saving money with Kids Club banking. Audrey also dedicated many years to the Mardela High School cafeteria known for her friendly smile and delicious meals.
Audrey was deeply involved in her hometown of Sharptown. She proudly served as town clerk to commissioners of Sharptown for many years and later played a significant role in establishing the current town hall location. Her passion for preserving local history found her active with the Sharptown Historical Commission. A life member and past vice president of the Sharptown Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, she was always there for her community. You could find Audrey as cashier of the Oyster Fritters at the Sharptown Carnival or in the cake booth spinning the wheel! She loved the carnival. Audrey’s dedication to loved ones, family and community leaves behind a legacy of public service that will always be remembered.
A woman of many talents, Audrey was an excellent cook who loved hosting holiday gatherings that brought the family together. She had a knack for baking, always contributing her homemade treats. Audrey was a spirited woman who loved to dance, bringing joy and laughter to all who knew her. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping, going on cruises, and visiting places like Lancaster and Atlantic City. A loyal fan of Richard Petty, she cheered him on with enthusiasm on race day.
Audrey was a member of Asbury Methodist Church of Sharptown where she was baptized in 1944 and serves as Treasurer. She loved helping with roast beef dinners. Audrey and Herman were married at Asbury Methodist Church on March 2, 1962, and together made many wonderful memories. She dedicated many years to her career in banking, serving as the branch manager at Farmers Bank of Mardela Springs and later with PNC Bank. She was a familiar face to many and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Before her banking career, she began her working life at Dupont Company in Seaford as a switchboard operator and later in textile testing.
Audrey is survived by her daughter, Cathy Koyanagi (Wendell); her son, Darryl English (Kelly); her treasured granddaughters, Casey Everngam (Nicholas) and Stephanie English (Colby Beeman), and her twin great-grandsons, Nolan and Barrett Everngam. She will also be missed by her sisters, Peggy Shaver (Mike) and Nancy Abbott, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Herman William English, and brother, Larry Shockley and his wife Sharon.
A funeral service took place on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Asbury Methodist Church in Sharptown. Pastors Steve Willing and David Bennett officiated. Interment followed the service in Firemen’s Cemetery in Sharptown.
In memory of Audrey, contributions may be sent to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802 or to the Sharptown Historical Commission, P.O. Box 311, Sharptown, MD 21861.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.