Shirley Irene (Jones)(Marion) Smith, 96, of Apalachin, New York, went home to be with the Lord on November 21, 2025. Her long and beautiful life leaves a rich legacy - one marked by unwavering faith, devoted service, and a deep, steady love for her large blended family and for every community she touched.

Born with a heart for others, Shirley spent her life quietly pouring into people. With her first husband, Lou Marion, she raised two sons, Greg (Kim) and Dan (Pam). Together, Shirley and Lou built and pastored a church in Vestal Center and later purchased a farm in Marathon, where they founded a camp for teenagers. When Lou passed away, Shirley continued to live out her calling by steadfastly caring for others and encouraging all who crossed her path.

When she later married Al Smith, her family grew to include Brent (Leona), Al (Hanna), and Sylvia (Bob). Together, Al and Shirley built a successful business and were blessed to retire early so they could enjoy the fullness of their family. After Al's passing, Shirley continued to serve as the loving matriarch: steady, gracious, and deeply devoted to the generations that followed.

Shirley is survived by 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many "adopted" grandchildren. Each one was cherished. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and they always knew she loved them in return.

Among Shirley's many friendships, two were especially meaningful: her dear friend Dorothy, whom she missed deeply after her passing, and her neighbor Laura, who treated her like family and cared for her so lovingly in her final years.

Shirley's legacy of faith, kindness, and service lives on in all of us who were blessed to be loved by her. We rejoice knowing she is reunited with her loved ones, hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

A service honoring Shirley Smith's life will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11 AM at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home LLC, 765 Main St, Vestal. Burial will be in Vestal Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 10 AM until service time at 11