Shirley was born in Westbrook, Maine on March 12th, 1932 to Joseph Miller and Mildred (Crockett) Miller. Joseph Miller served in the United States Navy, and Mildred followed him to duty stations across the country. Shirley loved to tell stories about train rides and going through the Panama Canal as a girl. Shirley’s younger brother was Francis L. Miller, and when their father retired, they resided in Brunswick, Maine.
Shirley married her husband, John “Jack” Colman, in 1954. Jack also served in the Navy for thirty years, and they had six children together. Shirley was well-suited for her role as a mother and partner, moving to various duty stations.
As a child, Shirley watched her mother receive and give support to others; this lesson served her well as an adult. The travels she had in her early life broadened her ability to meet people and have experiences in new places, which she saw as an advantage in life. Shirley displayed an open mind and a willingness to love her neighbors as family. As an Ombudsman for the Enlisted Wives Club at Naval Air Station Oceana, Shirley extended help, acceptance and support to other Navy wives.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, her brother Francis, and three of her six children: Christopher R. Colman, Daniel D. Colman, and Shawn A. Colman. Shirley’s faith in God was not deterred by the tragic loss of her family members, knowing that His plan and His mercy are ever-present in our lives. Shirley was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, and was very active in the church’s Gray Pearls group and Sunshine Club.
Shirley is remembered by many relatives for her resilience and compassion toward others. She kept up with friends and family throughout the country with phone calls, letters and cards. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and gardening. Shirley’s fondness for flowers and entertaining during the holidays was a source of great memories.
Shirley’s memory is treasured by her surviving children: Kathleen R. Thomas, Maureen Soricelli (Jeffery) and Eileen Fitzgerald (Kevin). Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have loving memories of their grandmother and great-grandmother. They are: her granddaughter Christine Thomas Bowman (Cameron) and their children Kortnee Uebinger, Cody Sullivan, Lily Bowman, Layla Bowman and Amelia Bowman; her grandson Brendan Fitzgerald (Shannon) and their children, Cora and Quinn; her grandson Erick Soricelli (Virginia); her grandson John-Paul Soricelli (Amber) and their children Vincent, Liam and Arwen; her granddaughters Jackie Fitzgerald, Lizzy Fitzgerald and Ashlynn Fitzgerald; and her grandsons, Matthew Soricelli and Bill Fitzgerald.
Shirley is also survived by numerous in-laws, cousins, nephews and nieces on the Colman and Miller sides. We remember them and those on the Colman and Miller sides who preceded her in death in our thoughts and prayers. We deeply appreciate their encouragement and support. We love you all. A special thank you to her neighbors, Elizabeth Schroeder and Bill and Gwen Newman.
Our gratitude for her care in her final stages of life is abundant. We are so humbled by the support of our Visiting Angel and the caring people at Westminster Canterbury at Home. These two organizations were a source of compassion and professionalism.
“Our God is a God of surprises. Some are unpleasant, but many are wonderful. Things will happen in life that we could never anticipate. God likes to keep us on our toes. He has blessed me with an amazing life full of love and purpose. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me next.” Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt wrote this in her autobiography, “Wake Up With Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years”, and Shirley reflected this attitude during her long life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1394 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453.
Those who wish to remember Shirley can do so with a donation to their favorite charity or charities. She would be honored by this gesture.
To view an obituary and offer condolences, please visit www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com
