Shirley Mae Forse of Delmar, Md. passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21, 2022, surrounded by her family as she was called home. She was born Sept. 20, 1936 in Denton, Md., a daughter of the late Earl Solomon Sr. and Nina Mae (Hicks) Harrington.

Shirley began her married life working as a nurse. As her family grew, she made the decision to leave the nursing profession so that she could spend more time with her “boys.” Most of her working life was with Allen’s Milling (formerly Red, White and Mills) in Delmar as their office manager. She worked for Allen’s for 30+ years and retired in December 2000. During her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was an avid reader, which is a hobby she shared with some of the ladies that attended her church. She also loved flowers, which was a gift she often received for Easter, Mother’s Day and birthdays.  

Family was very important to Shirley, whether it was Sunday dinner or sitting on the sidelines at a game, she was always present.  She was the kind of mom, mom mom, sister, aunt, friend that was always there when you needed her. So many memories were made around her kitchen table enjoying a meal, but more importantly, spending time with family. She had a special bond with all of her grandchildren, whether she was attending one of their games, sewing a prom dress or spending time in the “play-room,” they were making memories to last a lifetime.     

If you knew Shirley, you know she loved the Lord and stood firm in her faith for the Lord. Her faith and love of the Lord got her through some pretty tough times, including surviving two rounds of breast cancer and leukemia. You could find Shirley every Sunday morning at her church, Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, praising and worshipping with Pastor Lou G. Bradley and her church family. Her favorite Bible verse was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. 

She is survived by her sons, Wayne Forse (Judy), Terry Forse, Dale Forse and Greg Forse (Kim) all living in Delmar; grandchildren, Erica Hitch (Zach) of Delmar, Kevin Forse (Chelsea) of Charleston, SC, Taylor Tapia (Justin) of Laurel, Troy Forse of Delmar, Christopher Forse of Delmar, Jason Nibblett, and Crystal Bass (Ryan) of Salisbury; great-grandchildren, Connor Nibblett, Jonathon Nibblett, Kayla Bass, Hayley Nibblett, Skye Bass, Sawyer Bass, Carter Eroh, Harper Hitch, Hunter Hitch, Parker Tapia, Amelia Forse and Adalynn Forse; sisters, Dorothy Dickerson of Mardela Springs and MaryJane Davenport (Ronald) of Delmar and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Earl Harrington Jr. of Laurel.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Shirley Mae Forse will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Tabernacle. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 337 Tilghman Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804.

The family would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers since her passing, it has helped to remind us of all the wonderful memories we share and will forever hold in our hearts.