Shirley C. Cary

Shirley C Cary (Caradine) passed away on September 1st at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg, under the care of Empath Hospice. Born in Memphis TN, August 13, 1929 to Robert E. and Virginia Skinner Caradine. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her loving husband, John Richard Cary and her sister, Mary Margaret Mena (Stewart). She was an accomplished actor, artist and musician. Family and friends will always remember her beautiful voice and her love of singing. Shirley began singing in church at an early age. In 1951, she graduated with a degree in vocal music from Texas Woman’s University (formerly Texas State College for Women). After receiving her teaching certificate, she began her career teaching music in Laredo, TX. She returned to Memphis, TN and taught in the Memphis City School District (Sherwood Junior High), as musical director, drama coach and classroom teacher. Shirley produced very exquisite and elaborate productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Cheaper by the Dozen and many more. She was active in Front Street Theater in Memphis, starring in numerous off-Broadway musicals and operatic performances. After retiring from teaching, she devoted her talents to directing choirs and performing in local theaters in Maryland, Michigan and Florida. Shirley and her husband were members of First United Methodist Church, Tampa, FL where she was the choir director for many years. Shirley epitomized Southern grace and charm. Her words and expressions were eloquent. She could capture an audience, and their hearts, in an instant. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Elmcroft ALF, Bon Secours Maria Manor Nursing Home, BrightStar Care Medical Staffing Agency and Empath Hospice. A very special thank you to her personal caregivers, Michelle, Cassandra, Sharise, Kiara and so many others. You were her voice when she could no longer communicate and her life advocates. Left to remember her are daughter, Heather C. Collins; grandsons, Sean (Jenilee) Grieco, Kevin Collins; great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Camden Grieco; god-daughter and life representative, Donna (Todd) Robbins.