Friday, April 9, 2021
When I came to work in ministry with the Wynyard United Church in 2002, Shirley-Ann was among the first people in the congregation I met, which wasn't surprising, because as time went on I came to know and appreciate Shirley-Ann as one of the very best greeters that the United Church has ever had. Shirley-Ann was that friend who always took time to greet those who had been coming to church for years, but more importantly, she was also that special person who greeted the stranger and the newcomers who landed on the doorsteps of the church. Shirley-Ann always made the effort to find them a place to sit and ensured that they had a bulletin and knew how to follow along in the service. She was also very clear in that first introduction that her name was Shirley-Ann, something she would always remind me of whenever I made the mistake of shortening it and calling her Shirley.
Shirley-Ann was such a faithful and committed member of Wynyard United Church. I can only imagine how much the community missed her when she had to move on to Lloydminster. I know when I moved on I often wished I could have found another person as dedicated as Shirley-Ann was in greeting people when they came to the church.
I was so very sad to hear of Shirley-Ann's passing and would like to extend my deepest sympathies to her family. Shirley-Ann was a treasure and a blessing to myself and others. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
