Shirley Jean (Welborn) Harrity was born on October 5, 1935 in Anderson, South Carolina and passed away April 27, 2015 in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Shirley grew up in Anderson, South Carolina with her parents, Curtis and Louise Welborn, three brothers (Marrell, Melzer, Delbert) and a sister (Constance Vaughn). She worked at Orr Lyons Mill into her 20’s. She was a caretaker for many babies and young children in her home for over 20 years. She lived in Japan, and was very active in managing the teen club and activities, Blue Birds, Brownies, Girl Scouts and took numerous classes in cake decorating and Japanese flower arranging.
In December, 1957, she married a Navy man from Philadelphia, Andrew Harrity, whom her brother brought home for a weekend so that he could enjoy some home cooked meals. They had a short romance, meeting in October and marrying in December.
Shirley was passionate about her family, gardening, ceramics, and her faith. She was a lifelong member of Orville Baptist Church. Her yard was her refuge, where she would tend to her flowers and birds. She had numerous bird feeders positioned in the yard along with hummingbird feeders right outside the bay window. She thoroughly enjoyed watching the birds fly in and out of the yard stopping to eat in the early morning. She also enjoyed shopping and decorating for the holidays. In her younger years, she loved to sing, dance, and bowl.
One of Shirley’s lasting legacies will be how she treated people with respect and love. Her love for her family and friends was enormous. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone; she never met a stranger and she always loved to see and hear children playing. Her comment was, “that’s the best sound ever”. She always mentioned how proud she was of her children and grandchildren and was always eager to tell someone just how proud she was.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Andrew Harrity, her three daughters Shirley Adams (Michael), Andrea Zeman, Constance Johnson (William) and her grandchildren, Michelle Adams, Ryan Adams, Christopher Johnson, Daniel Zeman and several nieces and nephews.
Shirley is predeceased by her father, Curtis Welborn June 1985, mother, Louise Dunn Welborn May 2005, brother Curtis Marrell Dec 2009, and a sister, Constance Welborn Vaughn February 2004.
Funeral Services will take place at Orville Baptist Church in Anderson SC on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 3pm with Rev. Wendell Bannister officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson SC.
Visitation will be held on Friday May 1, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm at Sosebee Mortuary South Chapel, 3219 S Main St Anderson SC 29624.
The Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory South Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
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