Gay M. Shirley

August 16, 1942 - January 17, 2021

Gay M. Shirley, 78, of St. Petersburg, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 with her family close by. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Westminster College, Pennsylvania in 1964 where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Soon after she moved to Florida with her college classmate and began teaching business classes at Northeast High School and later at Pinellas Technical College in St. Petersburg. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Richard, and also sewing, quilting, knitting, basket making, and reading. Also, she played bridge, tennis and golf, which she proudly scored a hole-in-one! She loved her church, Pasadena Community Church, where she had many close friends over the years. Many remember Gay as being very thoughtful and generous. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and knitting gifts for her friends and charities. She will be dearly missed by her family. Gay is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard Shirley; daughter Kim Fernandez (Mike); grandchildren Claire and Drew Fernandez; stepdaughter Jennifer Ross (Howard) and step-grandson Ryan Ross, St. Petersburg area. Also is survived by her Pittsburgh family: brother Charles McNaughton (Marlene), and nieces Jenny McNaughton, Julie LaMontagne and Jill McNaughton. Gay is preceded in death by stepdaughter, Pamela Haffey (Jim). A small service for family and close friends will be held.