Shirley Ann Taylor Conaway, retired teacher
Shirley Ann Taylor Conaway departed from this life Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, peacefully at home with her family. Shirley was born in Millsboro Dec. 1, 1947 to the late David Lynwood and Sarah Bethards Taylor.
Shirley was a graduate of William C. Jason High School, and during her first year of college, she met the love of her life, William Conaway, through her mother, and was married in 1968. From this union three beautiful children were born, Vernon who preceded her in death in 2022, Russell and Andrea. Shirley and William were married for 36 years before he preceded her in death in 2005.
After starting a family, obtaining her degree remained important and later, when her children were older, she returned to Delaware State University, where she earned her bachelor of science degree in education, and master’s in curriculum and instruction. Shirley was passionate about education and for over 30 years lovingly nurtured and taught children and adults, while encouraging them to remain focused and resilient, so that like her they could reach their goals. She began her teaching career at Faith Elementary School and several years later began teaching in Lake Forest School District, from which she retired in 2006.
Shirley loved traveling, gardening, and of course, spending time with siblings, her children and grandchildren. During the summer, she loved packing up and spending the day at the beach or out in nature at a park. Above all, her commitment to her faith and her love for Christ were at the forefront of all she did. She was a faithful and committed member of Mt. Carmel Seventh Day Adventist Church in Harrington for more than 30 years, where she served as Sabbath School division leader, lay activities, secretary, Adventist youth leader, pathfinder counselor, Sabbath school superintendent, usher, choir member, and 50-plus club leader. She loved her church family, and whatever her hands could find to do, she did with excellence.
Shirley was also preceded in death by her parents, David and Sarah Taylor; siblings, Priscilla Taylor-Snell, Sylvia “Jennie” Santiago, Dwight Taylor, Wanda Taylor, Catherine Taylor, Robert Taylor; and beloved great-niece, Aliyah C. Simms.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Russell Conaway of Norfolk, Va., Andrea Conaway of Harrington, Matred Conaway of Macon, Ga., Sharon Conaway of Denton, Md., and Jill Robinson of Jefferson, Ga.; grandchildren, Shakeira Conaway of Denton, Christina Conaway of Jefferson, Shaylen Conaway of Denton, Ashton Conaway of Jefferson, and Jeremiah Gadson II of Milford; siblings: Linda Perry (Lawrence) of Chesapeake, Va., Pamela Taylor of Millsboro, Bertha Taylor of Baltimore, Md., Bruce Taylor of Georgetown, Sebrena Taylor of Millsboro, Gail Reed (Linwood) of Millsboro; goddaughter, Christi Allen of Tennessee; close friend and confidant, Janice Parker; as well as a host of nieces and nephews
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, at Mount Carmel Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 103 Mechanic St., Harrington, where the viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, 6486 Bay Road, Frederica.
Visit Shirley’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her online guestbook at watsonfh.com.
