Shirley Carol Smith

Shirley Carol Smith, age 82, of Cherry Hills Village, CO passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. She was born on February 19, 1935 in Waco, TX, the daughter of Mabel (Albritton) and John Dillard Shields.

Survivors include her husband, Marlis Smith; sons, Marlis Smith, Jr (Karyn) and John Timothy Smith (Wendy); daughter, Melinda Haymons (Christopher) and 10 grandchildren, Mikele Alexandra Smith, Mariah Noelle Smith, Marissa Belle Smith, Forrest Jackson Smith, Theodore Albritton Smith, Allison Lilla Smith, William Henry Smith, Alexandra Carol Haymons, Reed Christopher Haymons and Tyler Daniel Haymons. Shirley was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 10, 2017 at Christ Church of Denver, 2950 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 pm, Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. Private interment will be held in Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Denver Lyric Opera Guild or to Opera Colorado.

Shirley’s love of the arts began at age five studying ballet, piano and voice. Performing in school musicals throughout grade school, high school and her college years fostered a love of the performing arts, specifically opera. Voice studies at Baylor University and Texas Tech University began her “Diva Dreams.” Performance and recitals continued until a young geologist named Marlis entered the picture. “Diva Dreams” became church soloist, children’s choir director and serving as “First Chair” of carpooling three young children. Marlis, honored as the first Fine Arts Foundation Citizen of the Arts, continues his support of Shirley’s passion for the arts.

Arts enrichment and education are two priorities of Shirley’s. As a member of two national sororities, Mu Phi Epsilon music sorority and Kappa Alpha Theta social sorority, Shirley experienced college life to the fullest combining music and lasting friendships. A Theta Foundation Board member, Shirley was honored with the establishment of the Shirley Shields Smith Kappa Alpha Foundation Scholarship awarded every year to a Theta graduate student of music or science. In 1990, Shirley was distinguished as Colorado Theta “Woman of the Year.”

President of Denver Lyric Opera Guild in 1985 and again in 2000, Shirley helped produce the DLOG competition for Colorado Singers. Ten grants are awarded yearly to DLOG Competition winners. Many of these winners continue successful careers in the performing arts.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has for many years been a source of enjoyment that Shirley and Marlis are honored to support. The Smiths were founding members of the DCPA Director’s Society and they co-chaired the popular “Saturday Night Alive” in 1993.

Shirley, as a three term trustee of the Santa Fe Opera, established with Marlis, the John D. and Mabel Albritton Shields Apprenticeship for Singers in memory of Shirley’s parents who nurtured her childhood dreams. Researching and recording family genealogy fascinate Shirley who remains a long standing member of Colorado Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 1990, the Smiths co-chaired the Fine Arts Foundation Debutante Ball. Their daughter, Melinda Smith Haymons, debuted in 1987 and began a tradition for Smith grandchildren. Mariah Noelle Smith, 2012, was honored as a Debutante with her two young cousins, Alexandra Haymons and Allison Smith serving as tiara mistresses.

Past experiences included two terms as president of the Denver Symphony Orchestra Conductor’s Circle. Singing throughout the city as a member of “The Gallery Singers,” a small performance group of eight women, was a highlight during this period. Conducting the overture to Colorado Ballet’s Nutcracker proved a memorable, once in a lifetime experience!

Currently, Shirley serves as a Lamont Society Council member, Lamont School of Music, University of Denver, supporting young musicians. Serving as an Opera Colorado Board member promoting Opera Colorado productions, Shirley’s interest includes the Opera Colorado Young Artist Program and the Opera Colorado Outreach Program. Shirley co-chaired the Opera Colorado Inaugural Opera Ball and most recently, Shirley and Marlis shared honors with two couples co-chairing Gala, 2000.

Introducing grandchildren to opera, attending school functions and athletic programs, piano recitals and cheering on the 2012 Colorado State High School Tennis Championships, have kept Shirley and Marlis delightfully busy. At last count, four grandchildren have expressed aspirations, “Career Dreams,” of performing, singing and acting.

Collecting sculptures and fine art have been of great interest for many, many years. Shirley’s daughter, Melinda Smith Haymons, has encouraged and assisted in the development of Shirley’s new endeavor; learning the technique and execution of oil painting.