Shirley Mae Bullard

Shirley Mae Bullard was born in Washington, D.C. to Louis Oliver and Irene Emily Jacobs on October 4, 1934. She was raised and lived in Arlington her entire life. Her parents gave her brother Louis and sisters Thelma and Barbara a loving home where the importance and focus on family developed and continued her whole life. She met Bill, her husband of 65 years, on a double date where Bill was the date of the other girl. A few days later, Bill called Shirley for a date and as they say the rest is history! Shirley was a homemaker and spent her time raising her three children, visiting her parents who lived close by, and keeping in touch with her three siblings and their growing families. Holidays and birthdays provided the perfect opportunity for large family gatherings, picnics, and multi-family vacations in the summer. After raising her three children, she became “Grandma” and had five grandchildren. In addition to the normal things grandparents do, she was also a loving part time day care provider for her grandchildren before they were old enough for school. Like her mother “Nan,” Shirley loved music boxes. This interest turned into a huge music box collection which fills a large portion of their dining room even today. She also loved and collected pictures and statues of unicorns and Precious Moments figurines. Later in life, Shirley became an avid Washington Capitals hockey fan. She watched all their games on television and knew almost all the players by name. Her fan faithfulness paid off when the Capitals won the Stanley Cup this past year. Shirley was a quiet, unassuming, and content person. She had everything she wanted and needed to be very happy; a cozy home, good health, her family, memories of her loving parents, and her best friend and companion throughout her life, her loving husband Bill. Shirley passed away on March 11, 2019, surrounded by family after a very sudden and brief illness. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 65 years, George ‘Bill’ Bullard; her loving children Donna Tilman (Bob), Wanda Sue Ketterman, and Gary Bullard (Theresa); her cherished grandchildren Danny (Grace), Kyle (Laura), and Emily Tilman, David (Martina), and Craig Ketterman; numerous great grandchildren; her brother Louis Jacobs Jr. and her sister Barbara Marshall (James) and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2019 from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 pm at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Shirley will be laid to rest at National Memorial Park. Following the burial, a reception will be held at National Funeral Home.