Shirley worked in Downshoes

Shirley was up and about her usual on Sunday and was watching television with her husband when the sudden seizure occurred. She was the dearly loved wife of Ronnie. A woman of many sterling qualities, Shirley was brought up in Gilford.

Formerly Miss Shirley Gracey, she married Ronnie in 1959 and had three children. Unfortunately they had the tragic circumstances of losing Alan at the early age of two years old.

She had also two other boys Ian and Andrew. She was employed in the office staff in Sinton’s Banford Mill and then after that went to work in Downshoes with her sister Elsie who predeceased her a few years ago.

She then went to work in The Metal Box Company, Gilford Road, Portadown in the Personnel Department.

No matter where Shirley went to work she was held in the highest regard. She enjoyed meeting people and indeed met Ronnie at a dance in Gilford Orange Hall and enjoyed going around the different dance halls in the 50s and 60s.

Shirley’s main interest was centred around her home and family and indeed it is there that her passing will be mostly felt. She was a member of Gilford Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her husband Ronnie, 2 sons Ian and Andrew, daughters-in-law Ann and Amanda, grandchildren Kimberly, Laura, Ellen, Emily and Harriett. To these and all other relatives sincere sympathy has been extended. The funeral took place privately from her home on Wednesday September 26 for a service in Gilford Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Samuel Newell former minister of Gilford Presbyterian Church and a personal friend of the family gave a personal and inspiring address. Two of Shirley’s granddaughters Laura and Ellen paid a tribute to their grandmother.

The hymns ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus’ and ‘Be Thou my Vision’ were sung. Elsie Kinnear presided at the organ. The interment took place afterwards in the family plot in All Saint’s Parish Churchyard, Tullylish. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu are being sent to William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Cancer Research N.I.

William Bell and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.