Willa "Smittie" Shirey

Willa Smith Shirey of Springfield, Virginia passed away November 7, 2023. She was born on March 3,1930 in Pineview, Virginia on the farm of Milford and Alma Day Smith. She started her schooling in a one-room schoolhouse in Sumerduck, Virginia. After the death of her mother, she went to live in Arlington, VA with her oldest sister Beulah and husband Ray. There, she attended Washington & Lee High School, making precious friendships she treasured her entire life, and gaining the nickname “Smittie”. She later worked as a clerk for Southern Railroad in the D.C. area. In 1952, Mom married William C. Shirey (Bill) in Arlington, VA. Dad soon joined the Air Force. Together they served for the next 27 years, traveling all over the world, and forming many lifelong friendships. After Dad’s military retirement, they settled in Annandale, VA. They were active members of what is now Faith Church of Kingstowne. During Mom’s time at Faith, she chaired the flower committee, helped with seasonal decorations, coordinated food for church receptions, and worked with the young singles. She also enjoyed being part of various Bible studies over the years. Mom moved to Greenspring Retirement Community 15 years after Dad’s passing and was involved with several organizations to include the Greenspring Fellowship, Alabama Club, and the on-campus Republican Party. One of her favorite activities was to help welcome new Greenspring residents by inviting them to join her for dinner. She had a love for all people, and offered help to whomever was in need. She brought warmth and love to all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed. Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Bill. She is survived by her children Joe (Johanna) Shirey, and Pam (Todd) Ramsey; 7 grandchildren: Sarah (James) Morgan, Katie Shirey, Rebecca (Ben) Johnson, Emily (Charlie) Roe; Jennifer (Brandon) Shreckhise, David (Melissa) Ramsey, and Michael (Jane) Ramsey; as well as 16 great-grandchildren: Will and Elise Morgan; Harper June Johnson; Abby, Evelyn, and Benton Roe; Emmett, Carson, and Lila Shreckhise; Joel, Kyla, Isaiah, and Eliza Ramsey; Mackenzie, Brett, and Collin Ramsey. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Faith Church Kingstowne, 5725 Castlewellan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315 on January 6, 2024 at 11 A.M. A reception will follow the service. Family will privately lay Mom to rest with Dad at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation online to Faith Church Kingstowne for “summer camps and youth missions” at https://faithepchurch.org/Giving or you may mail a check to the address above.

Tributes

Willa "Smittie" Shirey

March 3, 1930 - November 7, 2023