She was born in Washington, D.C. on February 5, 1950 to Robert & Sarah (Lowe) Bell.
Shirley met her beloved husband, John Leach, in high school; starting their family young and creating a long, beautiful life of love together. Shirley will be remembered by her selfless acts of putting others first; her kindness, patience, and compassion. She laughed easily and often, and that sweet sound that filled our hearts will stay with us forever.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas, Robert and James Bell; and sisters, Dorothy Fowler, Ray Walbroehl, Kathryn Christian and Ellen Fur.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, John Leach; daughters, Tammy Rode and Melissa Stopjik; grandchildren, Victoria McLaughlin, Amanda Rode, Bob Rode; Jonathan, David, and Steven Elfrey; great grandchildren, Brandon and Michael McLaughlin, Jocelyn and Mikayla Gonzalez-Rode, Lucas Rode, Abigail Elfrey and Amy Birney; and sister, Anna Gardiner.
A graveside Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, Florida 32771.
Condolences may be offered in the online guest book below.
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