Shirley Veneiva Stafford Smith, age 74, resident of 19948 Skeltontown Road, Cambridge Springs, died at her home after battling leukemia for the past four months having been diagnosed in December of 2012. She was surrounded by her loving husband, John, and her five daughters.
Born on December 12, 1938 on the family farm located on Skeltontown Road, Cussewago Twp., Crawford County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Veneiva G. Osborn Stafford and Gerald Lee “Bill” Stafford.
She is survived by her husband – John Smith, Jr. whom she married on July 13, 1959; five daughters – Debra JoAnn Applebee and her husband, Roy of Venango; Bonita “Bonnie” Sue Felton and her husband, Randy of Cambridge Springs; Lori Ann Terrill and her long-time friend, Michael McLean of Malvern, Ohio; Kellie Lynn Schroat and her husband, James of Venango; and Jodi Lee McLaughlin and her husband, John of Cambridge Springs. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren – Shannon Willey, Jimmy Applebee, Jay Felton, Randi Felton, Kayla Terrill, Chance Terrill, Dustin, Schroat, Jordan Schroat, Dakota Schroat, Luke Ebright, Jacob Ebright, Joshua Ebright, and Emma Veneiva McLaughlin; 11 great grandchildren; a sister -Joyce Merchant of Erie; three brothers – Harry Stafford of Cambridge Springs; Edwin Stafford of Cambridge Springs; and Richard Stafford and his wife, Nancy of Edinboro. Included are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shirley was preceded in death by a brother – Gerald M. Stafford and a sister – Luella Olynik.
Shirley worked at Edinboro University for Chartwells Company for the past 29 years. She was adored by her co-workers, professors, and many loving college students. She had previously worked at Foam Plastic Plant in Cambridge Springs and also as a custodian at Cambridge Springs High School. In her free time, she enjoyed being with her daughters and grandchildren. Shirley was a very loving and giving lady. She was a loving wife, and an amazing mother, grandmother, home maker, sister, aunt, and a friend to many. She loved her family and was a strong and generous lady who would do anything for anyone. She had a warm smile and a kind heart. Shirley will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held there on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Brian Riddle, pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Drakes Mills officiating. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.
To John and the whole family,
I am sorry to hear of your dear wife’s/mother’s passing. God be with you and give you comfort and peace at this time.
Lori and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. we know the saddness that comes from the loss of a parent. Cherish all of your special memories. know that we are thinking of you all.
The Wolfes
Iliene Debra DeWayne Don David and Diane and families
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It may have been a long time since last seeing each other but I have many fond memories of Aunt Shirley. Please accept our condolences.
Dear Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. In times like these the scriptures have brought me much comfort. Like at Jonn 5: 28,29 it says God is going to resurrect those loved ones we have lost in death to a resurrection of life. What a great time to look forward to. Until then we enjoy those beautiful memories.
Lori & family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy, Don & Cherie Wolfe
Mom, I love you. I miss you. I promise you that I will continue to be strong and to watch over dad and help my sisters through this. I ‘m glad you are at peace and no longer suffering with pain. I want you to know that your entire family misses you. Things will not be the same without you here. But from time to time would you send me picture of how beautiful it is in heaven. Let me see that you are pain free and that you are with your loved ones watching over us and giving us guidence.
mom Thank you for all for bring the oving mom ysy oyu have aleyds bee,