Shirley Audrey Armstrong Jennings, born on September 30, 1936, was called suddenly to her Lord on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Shirley was mourning her beloved husband of 55 years, Richard T. Jennings, who passed in 2015.
Born in Liverpool, U.K., to Ellen Mills (midwife) and Edward Armstrong (paramedic), surrounded by her loving siblings, Joan, Robert, Doreen, Sydney, Ken and Helen. World War II ravaged Britain and claimed the life of her dear mother, forcing the children into a boarding school, but Shirley and her sister, Helen, were taken to the Cottage Home Orphanage. There, she survived seven years of the Blitz, The Bunkers and knew God would be the answer to her prayers.
An American soldier visited the orphanage and took Shirley and Helen to the American Embassy for a Christmas party. The soldier held Shirley and told her he was from Texas. Shirley came to America to find the protector she found in that soldier; U.S. Navy Dick Jennings, stationed in Sanford, Fla., laid eyes on the love of his life. They had four children, Richard Jr., Helen, Christopher and Susie.
Shirley and Dick were active members of their Church of the Holy Family. Her faith in God, ‘Was everything that really mattered.’ Shirley was the epitome of unconditional love for all she knew, all the birds, gardening, reading quotes, classical music. ‘If you’re ok, I’m ok,’ and ‘This too shall pass,’ were her favorite quotes.
Shirley was an accomplished soprano soloist and led every choir she attended. She held the lead in the Marie Roche Singers in Chappaqua, N.Y., production of My Fair Lady, landing the lead role of Liza. ‘Mom’ and ‘Grandma’ was her calling.
She is survived by her 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; dear brother, Syd Armstrong; and extended family members, including nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Her smile and laugh, with that comforting presence, will be profoundly missed. ‘Have faith in God and all will be well.’
A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Church of the Holy Family Catholic Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in Princess Anne Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School.
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