Shirley was born on May 11, 1929 in Flint, Michigan to Forrest and Cecil (Robson) Gilson. She was the youngest of four children. Shirley was a 1947 graduate of Grand Blanc High School. On June 18, 1949, she married Ivan Robertson. They were married for 55 years and together they raised 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Shirley was a member of countless bowling leagues and was an active 4-H Leader, often being the first to volunteer to chaperone. She was a member of the Elkton Lioness Club and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She sang as a member of the church choir and was a member of the Women’s Society at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church.
Shirley enjoyed reading, watching the birds, doing word search puzzles, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers. She loved singing along to country and gospel music and spending time with her pets, especially her cats. She was known for her Oreo pie, coney sauce, macaroni salad, hot fudge sauce, and cut-out Christmas cookies. She wrapped her family in crocheted afghans, knit hats, and hand-sewn clothes. She was proud of and alway eager to celebrate each of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
Shirley spent her final five years at Addington Place of Clarkston. The family is incredibly grateful for the love and compassion she was shown by all of the individuals she interacted with during her time there.
She is survived by her five children, Linda Zarnke of Grand Blanc, David (Gloria) Robertson of Flint, James (Angela) Robertson of Columbiaville, Karen (Chuck) Rossman of Grand Blanc, and Gail (Norm) Fox of Grand Blanc. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kevin, David Jr., Eric, Jeff, Kristen, Adam Dean, Holly, Adam John, Dani, Nick, Brandon, Hannah, Laura, and Rhonda, as well as 25 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, daughter-in-law (Judy), and son-in-law, (Vernon).
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 8 from 11 AM to 8 PM at Hill Funeral Home in Grand Blanc.
A funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, June 9 at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church with visitation starting at 10 AM at the church. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Blanc and a funeral lunch will follow. The funeral service will also be live streamed on Facebook through Grand Blanc United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lucky Day Animal Rescue.
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