Shirley May Lord

Shirley May Lord Age 79, went to be with her Lord on Monday, July 25, 2016. She was born April 14, 1937 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of the late Gordon and Pauline (Dickinson) Lord. A lifelong Elmira resident, Shirley graduated from Southside High School in 1955, received her bachelor's degree from Hartwick College in 1959 with a mathematics degree. Later on she received her master's degree from SUNY Cortland. Shirley taught math for 35 years at Elmira Free Academy. During her teaching career she participated in several professional committees including chairperson of the mathematics department. Shirley retired in 1994 to pursue her love of singing. Besides being a member of the church choir, she joined the Chrystal Chords, a women's barbershop singing organization where she traveled and performed; helping her group win several awards. She believed in giving back to her community. Shirley joined the retired teacher organization, Delta Kappa Gamma (professional women's organization), the food bank of Elmira, Arnot Ogden Medical Center volunteer organization, St. Joseph's Hospital volunteer programs and numerous other community groups. Shirley was a lifetime active member of the Hedding-Christ's-New Beginnings United Methodist Church. Over the years she was a member of the choir, chairperson of the finance committee, Board of Trustee, served on the administrative council, nurture committee and the UMW (United Methodist Women's). Shirley was a loving, caring spirit that will be missed by her family and many friends. As many know, she believed in education and was generous with her time and finances to enrich the lives of her family, friends and students. Shirley is survived by her sister, Lois (Gene) Norris of Bemus Point, NY; nephew, Gordon (Charlotte) Norris of Falconer, NY; niece, Linda (Jonathon) Pettit of Delaware, OH; three grandnephews, Zachary, Darren and Brandon Norris; two grandnieces, Erica and Michelle Pettit. Family and friends are invited to gather at the New Beginnings United Methodist Church, 300 Miller Street, Elmira, NY on Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm (noon) with Reverend Leanne Zeck celebrating Shirley's life. Interment will take place privately in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to New Beginnings United Methodist Church, 300 Miller Street, Elmira, NY 14904. Shirley's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.