Shirley Ann Smith

Shirley Ann Smith, age 86, loving mother of two and adoring wife to husband Vincent Smith Sr. went home to our Lord in the early hours of Thursday, March 30, 2023. Shirley was born June 11, 1936 in Grover Hill, Ohio to Merlin Rowe and Hilda Phillips and grew up surrounded by her four older brothers (Eugene Rowe, Paul Rowe, Roy Rowe and Ray Rowe).

Shirley was only 11 years old when she lost her mother to cancer. Shortly after that, she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Shirley graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne in 1957. She worked as a nanny to the Latz family (former owners of Wolf and Dessauer) for several years.

Shirley married her would be husband and father to her two children, Vincent Sr. on July 28, 1958. They had two children, Delores Smith and Vincent Smith, Jr. She was preceded in death by her husband (Vincent Sr.), who passed away January 28, 2000 and her daughter (Delores) who passed away September 28, 2006.

Shirley was an active member of the Union Baptist Church as the Junior Usher coordinator of the Junior Usher Board, in Fort Wayne. She also enjoyed cooking and hosting family. She was loved by all, especially family. She sacrificed her needs for the good of her family and will be remembered as a loving, generous, selfless mother. She had a quiet strength, never complained and always had a smile and sassy side even when times were tough.

Shirley leaves to cherish in memory her son, Vincent Smith Jr., sisters-in-law Mary Purnell and Norma Hinton, nieces and nephews from Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas.

We know that we can’t have you but we’re happy knowing the angels finally have you back. Rest in Peace to a wonderful woman and a beautiful mother.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Union Baptist Church, 2200 Smith Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803. A funeral service will follow at Noon.

Shirley will be laid to rest in Covington Memorial Gardens

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Smith family.