Shirley Peavey Chambers' Obituary
Shirley Peavey Chambers died May 6, 2015 at the age of 95. In her words, she enjoyed “a long and a happy life.” Surrounded by the love of her children and caregivers, she passed peacefully in her home from complications of a heart condition. “Ms. Shirley” (aka “Sweetpea”) was born on May 2, 1920 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Phillip and Florence Puffer. She grew up in Washington, D. C. and graduated from the Temple Business School. She became a secretary at the Carnegie Institute, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, where she met her first husband, Ross Peavey. Interrupted by wartime, their romance culminated in marriage and the rearing of their three children in Kensington, Maryland (Barbara, Richard, and Carolyn); these were very happy years. In 1962, the family moved to Richardson Texas where their children grew to adulthood; after 42 years of marriage, Ross passed away in 1989. Years later, Shirley was lucky to find love again, marrying Frank Chambers, having 10 wonderful years with “Tiny.” Shirley remained in the Richardson area for the rest of her life. A lovely lady, always “dressed to a T” and beaming, she loved to travel. Always ready to “wing it” and take on a new adventure, she was a vibrant, strong, and curious woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to be outdoors, walking miles every day in her neighborhood well into her 80s, particularly happy when she was on or “by the water.” She loved to play scrabble and bridge, competing in many a bridge tournament and enjoying the friendship of so many in the Richardson Women’s Club. She was a woman of faith, her gray head almost always to be found on the center aisle, a few rows from the front, on Sunday mornings at First United Methodist Church in Richardson. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always attempting to understand, to be flexible, to accept, and to love her three children and four grandchildren, always taking pride in their unfolding lives. Shirley lived a life of gratitude – appreciation for the simplest things, like the taste of orange juice in the morning or a cool breeze on her cheek; and for small kindnesses, a touch or a hug. She always noticed and appreciated the best in others. Her life was one of love, lived as a light, transcendent of God’s love and grace. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara and Carol Peavey, her son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Dian, and her grandchildren, Ross and Erin Peavey, Paul Keenan, and Nathan Peavey. Special appreciation is extended to her steadfast caregivers, Marjorie Haba and Mary Romo, who helped Shirley maintain her independence and dignity in her later years. In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to Network Community of Ministries, 741 S. Sherman St. Richardson, TX 75081 Visitation for Shirley will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 8, 2015 at United Methodist Church in Richardson. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75238 at Restland Road.
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