Shirley May Young, 85, of Shalimar, Florida, and longtime resident of Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 18, 2021, at her home in Shalimar.
Born in Charlotte, Michigan, on June 16, 1935, she was the daughter of George and Barbara Thayer. Shirley paved the way for women in the United States Air Force from October 22nd, 1956 and faithfully served her country until March 13th, 1959. Shirley was an inspirational person who was always there to listen, counsel and lend support in times of need. Shirley was a wonderful woman, loving wife, faithful mother, caring grandmother and great grandmother. She will truly be missed by all those who came to know and love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James (Jim) Young, and her brother, Jim Thayer.
Shirley is survived by her children, Leah White, Lynda Kennedy, Jay Young, Preston Young and wife Eileen, George (Eddie) Young and wife Deven.
Grandchildren: Christopher Kennedy and wife Melinda, Michael Kennedy, Keli Perry and husband Daniel, Krysten Young, Kayla Gatte and husband Craig, Allison Westra and husband Jeff, James Young, Taylor Young and fiancé Angie Marino, Casey Young and Emily Young; and great-grandchildren: Katelyn Perry, Kayden Perry, Olivia Kennedy, Christopher Kennedy, Ramona Westra, Tammy Holden with Baby Gatte on the way.
Cremation is under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home coordinating with Davis Watkins Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. A memorial service will be held at Claybar in Orange beginning at 4:30pm on Saturday, January 30th, 2021; the family will be present to receive guests at 4:00pm. In future, Shirley will be interned at the Houston National Cemetery.
In consideration of the health and safety of the family and friends, all social distancing practices and facial covering recommendations will be observed for the service. Thank you for your understanding and respect for the wishes of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome to the Air Force Enlisted Village, in support of the many military widows that reside at Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House in Shalimar, Florida; a cause that was near and dear to Shirley’s heart, especially in recent years.
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