Shirley Emmert January, loved reading
Shirley McWilliams Emmert January, 87, of Lewes passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. She was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Dover, daughter of the late Brig. Gen. William A. and Lora Fitzgerald McWilliams.
Mrs. January graduated from Dover High School and Sullins Finishing School (now Kings College, Va.). She was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Rehoboth Beach. Mrs. January was one of the former owners of the Dinner Bell Inn in Rehoboth Beach, where she also managed the gift shop. She also owned an antique store in Rockport, Mass. Her second husband, Barney January, was the love of her life. Together they raised horses and a menagerie of other beloved animals on their farm in New Hampshire. For the past 19 years she lived with her daughter, Donna, in Lewes. She loved writing stories and reading books, playing pinochle and collecting vintage postcards.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. January was preceded in death by her first husband, David Guy Emmert - the father of her children; her brother, William A. McWilliams Jr.; and a sister, Joan DeMille. She will be remembered fondly by her surviving family, Donna Snyder Vassalotti and her husband Jack; William David (Butch) Emmert and his wife Carol; Bonnie Emmert George and her husband Donnie; six grandchildren: Suzanne Snyder Cannon, Kirk Albert Brigham, Matthew David Snyder, Justin Ian Moores, Brandi Alison Moores Baitchman and William David Emmert Jr.; 11n great-grandchildren and one step great-granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 17, at St. George's Episcopal Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road (Rt. 23), Harbeson, where friends may visit beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow services at All Saints' Cemetery adjacent to the church. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. January’s memory to Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, P.O. Box 219, Nassau, DE 19969.
