Shirley Cress-Carter

Shirley Cress-Carter 82, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully at the Newark Health Care Center, Newark OH, on December 22, 2010. Shirley, was born in Chester, West Virginia to the late Charles and Jean Hammel on May 30, 1928. At an early age she moved to Crafton, PA with her family and grew up in the Pittsburgh area. Shirley graduated from Crafton High School class’ 46. After high school, she attended Duff’s Business College for 2 years. After business school she worked at a number of companies in secretarial and vending positions. However, her commitment to her family and her church is what she was known for. A 60 year member of the Crafton United Methodist Church; she was involved in service with the church in food preparation for all kinds of events, and Meals on Wheels. She also attended the Alexandria United Methodist Church and Alexandria Buckeyes. Rearing 3 sons was a full time job, but she enjoyed every moment of it. As said by her family, “she was always the mom.” She was there for her family no matter what. If she wasn’t taking care of her family or church, she could be found playing bingo. It wasn’t unusual for her to play up to 60 cards at once or travel over 25 miles to a single game. Shirley touched a lot of people in her life with her Christian spirit and compassion. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Along with Shirley’s parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband Byron Cress Jr. of 44 years; Sister Evelyn, and an infant daughter.

Survivors include her husband J. Richard Carter of Alexandria; sons Byron (Macreena) Cress III of AZ, Bruce Cress of Pittsburgh PA, and Blair (Philomena) Cress of Crafton, PA; grandchildren Brittany Cress of Crafton PA, Blair Jr. of Crafton PA, Noah Cress of AZ., Sara Craig of Pittsburgh PA, Tabetha Coppola of Crafton PA; great grandson Jason Craig of Pittsburgh PA; sister, Delores Davis of Texas. She is also survived by her Dog GiGi, as well as many other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Criss Schoedinger Funeral Home, 179 Granville St., Newark, OH. Visit www.CrissSchoedinger.com to sign an online guest book or to share a story about Shirley.