Shirley Jane Worth Michael

Shirley Worth Michael died on Saturday, December 23, 2017 in Hickory, NC. She was 89. Shirley was born in Worcester, MA to Raymond and Beatrice Worth. She earned a bachelors degree with honors in chemistry from Gettysburg College and a masters in library science from Drexel University. After she married Raymond Michael of Trenton, NJ, they made their home in Yardley, PA, where they raised three children. She was a librarian at the Trenton Public Library for many years. After Ray died in 1997, Shirley moved to Abernethy Laurels in Newton NC, where she formed fast friendships, found a home at First Presbyterian Church, and discovered Wii bowling.

Shirley’s greatest love in life was her family. She was happiest when the dinner table and the bridge table were both full. Her Kitchen-aid mixer and knitting needles rarely lay idle. Her family treasures her smocked dresses, her knit baby caps and sweaters, and her recipe for gingersnaps among the mountain of evidence of her love.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Marjorie Geesaman; her cousin, Charlie Hamilton; her children Douglas Michael and wife Miriam, Susan Purser, Carolyn Greene and husband Dwaine; her grandchildren Elizabeth Michael, Allyson McFalls and husband Benny, Laura Michael, Stephen Michael and wife Mary, Patricia Greene, Jonathan Michael and wife Jenna, Meredith Rowe and husband Alex; and her great-grandchildren Raygan and Byron McFalls, Emily Michael, and Lucas Michael.

A service of remembrance and resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Newton on Saturday, December 30th at 10am with Rev. Susan Roddey, Rev. Elizabeth Michael and Rev. Patricia Greene officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Newton, 701 North Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658 or to the charity of your choice.