Shirley Arlene McGathey was born to Frank and Pearl Rosser in Nelsonville, Ohio on January 8, 1933. She was the youngest of 7 children, having two sisters and four brothers. She spoke fondly of her childhood in Nelsonville where she tagged along with her father to check on his coal mines and was a majorette in the high school band.
Shirley married Perl Edward McGathey of nearby Haydenville, Ohio following his discharge from the Air Force. The couple settled in Mansfield, Ohio where Perl worked at Mansfield Tire and Shirley worked at Lumbermans Insurance Co.
In the next years two sons were born, James in 1955 and Jay in 1959, as the couple relocated to Ontario, Ohio.
Shirley alternated between working outside the home and staying at home with her sons. She worked at the Village of Ontario as Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, Thermo Disc in assembly, and Lazarus Department Store as clerical. Shirley and Perl actively supported their sons by attending many sporting events and school functions during their school years.
After their sons graduated Shirley and Perl moved to Largo, Florida. Shirley worked at the State Attorney office as a clerk in the Investigative department until her retirement. After retirement Shirley attended church functions and enjoyed her many friends.
Shirley enjoyed watching her family grow to include; two sons James (Cynthia) and Jay (Damaris), five grandchildren Allan (Lesley), Cassandra, Amy, Alex, Amanda and seven great grandchildren Aydan, Sophia, Payton, Makayla, Gracie, Jayke and Carson.
Following Perl’s passing in 2011 Shirley remained independent and active throughout her final years. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends and her strong Christian faith which she shared freely.
Shirley funeral is scheduled for Saturday, 3:00 PM, June 11, 2022, at the Veterans Funeral Care Chapel, 830 North Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida 33765 with Pastor Randy Morris, to officiate. The family will receive friends at the Chapel from 2:00 pm until service time. Following the service, there will be a reception to honor Shirley in the Officers Club @ Veterans Funeral Care Chapel.
Interment will be private at the Bay Pines VA National Cemetery, Bay Pines, FL where she will be placed with her husband, Perl McGathey.
Very sorry to read of my Aunt’s passing. I remember her as a very sweet, classy woman. She will be missed by family and friends.
She was loved and will be missed, espically her beautiful smile.
Jim and Jay
So sorry for the loss of your Momma.
She loved both of you and family
so much and was so proud of you.
She also loved the Lord and is now
with Perl in Heaven.
She was a great lady and will be
missed. We willl see her again in
Heaven.
It was an honor to be a neighbor of Arlene. A name she shared with me. You could see she was an agressive lady in her youth, since despite of her age she was still so self sufficient. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones, she will be dearly missed.