Shirley (Sanford) Smith, age 99, passed away on Tuesday, May 13 at Story Point Living Community in Saline, MI

She was born in Gaylord, Michigan on September 26, 1925, to Volney and Dora (Hayes) Sanford. She met Roy Smith while he was attending the University of Michigan and married him on July 23, 1949, in Milford, Michigan. They had sixty-one years together.

Shirley experienced a wonderful childhood growing up in Gaylord playing for hours with her friends in "Tiny Woods," a small forest near her home, going ice skating, and skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer.

As an adult she trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan for more than 65 years. Shirley was a beloved teacher and mentor in the Beginners Class for many years. She had many cherished friendships with members of the church. She also participated in Ladies Bible Studies and Caleb Club for seniors.

Shirley was always on the go. She enjoyed sewing, playing the piano, going shopping, reading, playing Bingo at Story Point as well as having dinner with a table full of other residents. She had the drive to learn new things. She kept up with technology and learned how to enter data into an Excel spread sheet in her mid-nineties.

Some of her accomplishments include being a homemaker and raising three children, selling real estate, and working in a dental office.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, her parents, sister Leila, and brother Robert. She is survived by her three children: William (Wendy), Phillip (Carrol) and Sue Ann (Thomas); five grandchildren: Scott (Tricia), Crystal (Doug), Elise (Nick), Michael (Emily) and Brian (Dilay). Six great grandchildren also survive her: Katelyn, Allisyn, Olivia, Grant, Evan, and Opal, as well as nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Stark Funeral Professionals, Ypsilanti, on Thursday, May 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti May 23 at 11 a.m., interment immediately following at Alban Cemetery (25492 Bemis Rd, Ypsilanti, MI). A luncheon will be provided by the church following the brief service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, Ypsilanti, MI or, in memory of Shirley Smith to CorsoCare Hospice, 950 Corporate Office Dr., Suite 150 Milford, MI 48381.