Shirley Kroske Reinsmith, 93, of Greenville, SC, died July 18, 2021. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of Inez Vollrath and Glen Allen Patterson. Shirley graduated from Wilkinsburg High School and the Pennsylvania College for Women (Chatham University). She married William B. Kroske (Bill), her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. Shirley was an accomplished musician and church organist, playing in several area churches before moving south to Greenville, SC. She started as a temporary organist at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Greenville and was soon hired on a full time basis. Shirley served for 30 years as the Director of Music and Organist, creating many music programs featuring choral and organ performances. She taught piano for years and was very proud of all her students and their accomplishments. She was active in the American Guild of Organists and the Crescent Music Club and was the recipient of The Order of the Crescent. As a member, it gave her great pleasure to sponsor the Shirley Kroske Reinsmith Organ Scholarship which was granted annually to talented organ students in high school. Shirley was also an active member of the John Knox Presbyterian Women.
Shirley and Bill were an inseparable team. There was always music in their home and they loved to entertain and spend time with friends. Their love was signified by the inscription "Mizpah" in their rings which meant "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another". Bill passed away after 35 years of marriage. Years later at her 50th high school reunion, Shirley was reacquainted with Jim Reinsmith, a friend and member of her class. They shared many interests including a love of music and travel and were married a year later. Jim and Shirley traveled extensively, attended numerous music performances and enjoyed sponsoring musical events. Jim passed away after 13 years of marriage.
Shirley loved her Lord and Savior, her family, her many friends and her music. She was loved in return by so many who counted it a joy to be her friend. She always had a smile on her face and the sweetest disposition. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Surviving are her three children, Debbie (Alva) Humphries of Chapin, Doug (Suzi) Kroske of Greenville and Mark (Cindy) Kroske of Chapin; ten grandchildren (Shannan, Jason, David, Christyn, Stephen, Ryann, Jennifer, Michelle, Brittany and Will); and seventeen great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother David Wynn Patterson.
The family gives special thanks for the loving care provided by the staff at All Seasons Hospice Care and Wellmore Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing in Lexington, SC. where she lived for the past three and a half years.
A Funeral Service celebrating the life of Shirley Kroske Reinsmith will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 12:00pm. The family will receive friends following the service. A private committal will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 35 Shannon Drive, Greenville, SC 29615.
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