Obituary of Shirley Witty

Shirley A. Witty of Gresham, SC (formally from Virgil, NY) passed away January 29, 2022 at Anderson Oaks Assisted Living Center in Conway, SC. Shirley was born November 11,1935 to Esther M. Banwell as the youngest sibling to Roy, William, and Doris. She went to school in Marathon and worked on the family farm where she met the love of her life, James "Jim" Witty. On November 1, 1952, they were married and spent time in Georgia during Jim's stint in the Army. Afterwards, they returned to New York to live in Homer briefly before building a home on Snyder Hill in Virgil. They raised three children, Brenda, Jane and James II. Shirley enjoyed hosting family picnics, two-stepping with Jim at Cortland's Country Music Park, feeding chickadees from her hand, gardening, making crafts for loved ones, and cake decorating. She was an active member of the Virgil United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir and tending the altar and garden. In the 1960s and 70s she was active in the Ladies' Auxiliary at the American Legion Post 465 in Homer and worked as an assembler at local manufacturers, Cooper Tools, McGraw Box, and Crescent Corset. Shirley spent her last five years in South Carolina to enjoy time with her youngest grandchildren, Madalyn Witty and Rylan Witty of Gresham, SC of whom she is survived, as well as her children, Brenda (Wes) Foley of Marathon, NY, Jane Witty of Cortland, NY and James Witty II of Mullins, SC and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings and grandson, Benjamin Foley in 2014 and husband Jim in 2007. Shirley and Jim are now joined in heaven to dance again to their song "Til I Waltz Again with You". A calling hour will be held Wednesday 3:30-4:30 pm with a funeral service to begin 5 pm at the Virgil First United Methodist Church, 1196 Church St., Cortland NY, 13045. Spring burial will be at the Parker Street Cemetery, Lapeer NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Virgil First United Methodist Church. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com .