Mary Elizabeth Slade Shirley, 95, of Columbia, died on Monday, June 27, 2022. Born in Reading, England, on May 21, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Ernest Arthur and Edith Ellen Wyatt Slade.

She was an only child but was blessed with many aunts, uncles, grandparents & cousins. The family was hugely impacted by WWII as it was indeed the reason that she met her former husband. She met and married her husband after he was called to serve at Greenham Common Airbase near her hometown of Redding. She was married in 1944 in Reading and her oldest child, Graham was born in 1945. Following the end of the war, she and her son, Graham boarded the USS Argentina ship sponsored by the US Military to bring English war brides to the USA. They departed Southampton late January 1946 arriving in Ellis Island on February 4. Very much alone, they boarded a train bound for Columbia, SC. Her life here did not get off to an easy start but she persevered. Her mother immigrated to the USA in March of 1947 and together they were great providers and gave a loving home for their children to grow up in. She worked at night and her mother during the day to ensure that all were taken care of. Following a knock at her door from the Pastor of Eau Claire Presbyterian Church, she attended and later became a member where she would spend the rest of her life. She was very active in the church until her death. She enjoyed a long relationship with Angelo's Zesto where she worked for 44 years. Her church and faith meant everything to her. In 1978 she returned to England taking her two grandsons and daughter-in-law along to meet their family. She was a very generous person and helped many people during her life especially other immigrants.

She is survived by her sons, Graham Shirley, of Columbia, SC, David Shirley (Wendy), of Blythewood, SC, and Barry Shirley (Judi), of Columbia; grandson, Robert Shirley (Carrie), of Gilbert, SC; great-grandchildren, Taylor Shirley, Savannah Shirley, and Grayson Shirley, all of Gilbert, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, David Timothy Shirley.

The funeral service for Mrs. Shirley will be held at 11 o'clock, Saturday, July 2nd, at Eau Claire Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Adam Shields officiating. Burial will follow the service in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 10 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family would like to acknowledge very important people in her life; her very first American friend, Evelyn Scott who has remained a lifelong friend. The family would also like to thank Hands & Hearts for providing daily caretakers for mother during her dementia. Heather Land, Mrs. V and Barbara, Prisma Health Hospice, and her son, Graham who all provided daily love and tender care. The family would also like to thank the Eau Claire Community for the lovely comments and support.

Memorial donations may be made to Eau Claire Presbyterian Church, 629 Wildwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29203.