Shirley was born in 1929 to Florence V. and Fielder T. Marlow, Sr. in Fairland, Maryland. She graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring in 1947. After graduation, she worked for C&P Telephone Company, living in Takoma Park, Maryland.
She married Paul F. Smith in 1948. After marrying Paul, they moved back to a house on the Marlow family farm in Fairland. They had two children, Kay Smith Sims and Paul Jr. She became a full time homemaker while the children were growing up.
She was a member of the Burtonsville Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary, where Paul was fire chief. She later took a part-time position as church secretary at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Silver Spring.
After the sale of the Marlow farm, Shirley and Paul moved to Willimantic, Connecticut for several years. The winters convinced them to move to a warmer climate in Venice, Florida where they helped found an Episcopal Church. Shirley remained in Florida after Paul's death in 1994.
Shirley moved back to Maryland in 2010 to be nearer to family. After a short stay at Friends House in Olney, she moved to Riderwood Village in 2011 due to Alzheimers. Through it all, she remained a positive force in people's lives. She was a favorite of the staff and residents at Riderwood, with hugs and smiles for all.
Shirley had a variety of interests. Growing up she was active in the work of maintaining the farm. She was an accomplished pianist and choir member, a baker/cake decorator, seamstress and created
floral arrangements for the churches she attended. Shirley was a source of strength and support for her children, and grandchildren. Her great grandchild was born in 2023.
She is survived by Kay Smith Sims and Paul Smith Jr. (Anne Marie), grandchildren Steffanie Sims, Brian Smith (Melissa), Artemis Smith, and her great grandchild Sebastian Smith. She is predeceased by her parents, Fielder T. Marlow (Florence), her brothers Fielder T. Marlow Jr. and Donald Marlow, and her husband Paul F. Smith Sr.
Her kindness, generosity, and light will be missed by everyone who knew her.
A funeral service for Shirley will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, followed by a reception following service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Tribute Donation to the Alzheimer Association at the link below in Shirley E. Smith's memory.
