Shirley Ann (Lilley) Wilkins, 69, beloved and devoted wife of Clarence David Wilkins, of 3 Our Lane, Stuarts Draft, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at her residence.
Mrs. Wilkins was born January 29, 1941 in Staunton, a daughter of the late Glen Franklin and Myrtle Lula (Ludwig) Lilley.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Shop-n-Save, Augusta Co-Operative Farm Bureau in Staunton and Custom Floral Designs. She was an active member of the Fishersville Baptist Church. Through many difficult times during her life, she relied on the strength provided by her faith in her Lord and Savior.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son, David F. Wilkins, Sr. and a daughter, Julie Ellen (Wilkins) Suggs; five brothers, Raymond, Bob, Mike, Larry and Roy Lilley; a sister, Mary Higgs; her father-in-law, Lawrence Wilkins; and, a brother-in-law John M. Wilkins.
In addition to her husband to whom she married on July 2, 1960, she is survived by a brother James Jim Lilley and his wife Stella of Fishersville; three sisters, Mabel L. Arehart and friend, Robert Tanner of Stuarts Draft, Ileen L. Galford and her husband, Eldon, of Staunton, and Beulah L. Swisher of Stuarts Draft; her mother-in-law, Alma (Monroe) Wilkins; sisters-in-law, Tamara Wilkins and Shirley Wilkins, all of Fishersville; three grandsons, David F. Wilkins, Jr., and Austin and Brady Suggs; a son-in-law, Philip Suggs and his wife Jenny. To cherish her memory, she leaves her very special and close friends, Wallace and Juanita Poole, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and whom she loved so much. Shirley also leaves behind her special little pet bird Crissy that she lovingly cared for over the past 17 years which was a gift from her daughter Julie.
A testimony to Shirleys inner beauty was her loving and forgiving nature. Her talent for creating and sharing beautiful floral arrangements brought her great joy. During her recent illness, her family stood by her night and day to make certain she was comfortable and never lacked for anything, as she had done for so many others. For all the love and care given to Shirley, a special thanks is extended to Janet and Rodger Swisher, JoAnn and Frank Swisher, Melissa and Shawn Swisher, and Jessica and Sam McGhee. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be conducted 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2010 at Fishersville Baptist Church by the Reverend Dr. Thomas Cribb and Chaplain Joe McGugan. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Burial will be private.
It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939 or to the American Cancer Society, 1920-H Medical Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.