Shirley Mae Smith Moorman

Shirley Smith Moorman, 93, died at Bentley Commons on January 10, 2018 in Lynchburg, Va. Born March 26, 1924 in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Alfred Presley Smith and Gladys Shaner Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Lewis Charles Moorman and sister Mrs. Warren O. Peters (Phyllis). Surviving members of family are: daughter Faye M. Mays and husband Marshall Anderson Mays, Jr. (Andy), sister Mrs. Reese M. Ross, Jr. (Carolyn Jean) of Daphne, Alabama and a special cousin Mrs. Jack Kight  (Barbara) of Chillicothe, Ohio.

A graduate of E. C. Glass High School, where she and Lewis served on the reunion committee; also a graduate of Phillips Business College and she was administrative secretary to H. Bruce Thomson, Jr. for 50 years.

A people person in every sense of the word, Shirley thoroughly enjoyed an active role in the groups and organizations with which she was associated. Her community involvement included serving as president of The Woman’s Club of Lynchburg, President of Alice Kyle District, president of the [i]state organization, the Virginia Federation of Women’s Club, member of GFWC Amherst Woman’s Club.  She was editor/manager of the official state federation publication, “The Virginia Clubwoman” and recipient of the 1986 “Today’s Woman Volunteer Award” presented by VFWC for her “involvement and active participation in community and civic affairs in her city and state that she loved.  In Lexington, KY in 1986 she was officially commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of her state of Virginia and the nation”.  Honorary membership in the Woman’s Club of Lynchburg was conferred upon her in 2005.  Her services to the Virginia Federation included representing her District on the state organization’s 100th Anniversary Committee.  She was also a member of the Poetry Society of Virginia.

Shirley served on the boards of the General Federation of Women’s Club, headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs in Richmond, Lynchburg Y.M.C.A., Lynchburg Symphony, Fair by the James Regional Board, GFWC Southeastern Regional Board, The Williams Home, Lynchburg Forest Advisory, Keep Lynchburg Beautiful and charter member of Citizens for a Clean Lynchburg.

She served as Advisory Board Chair and was Emeritus Trustee for Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation in Brookneal. A longtime active member of Centenary United Methodist Church, she served as Sunday school class president, Alter Guild chair and Communion Steward.

Many happy times of her life were spent in the company of her only child, daughter, Faye, both of whom enjoyed painting and the arts. Shirley loved a challenge and welcomed competition as evidenced by her many arts, crafts and literary entries in annual local, district and state contests. Her poetry reflected her mischievous outlook on life.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at Centenary United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 15th with the Reverend Douglas C. Pillow and Reverend  Doug Gunsalus officiating.  Reception in the fellowship hall will follow. Interment at Spring Hill Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that memorials be made to a charity of your choice or in support of Shirley’s special devotions, Salvation Army, 2211 Park Avenue, Lynchburg, Va. 24501, Patrick Henry Family Service, Box 1398, Brookneal, VA 24528, or Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.

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