Shirley Cadwallader Rawlins, 85, of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 15, 2015, after a brief illness.
Born July 26, 1929, in San Diego, CA, Shirley was the only child of Francys Sherlock and Frank Cadwallader.
She lived the majority of her life in her home of West Virginia. She grew up in Charleston, graduated from Charleston High School, and received her bachelor’s degree in art education from Richmond Technical Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University).
Shirley married the love of her life, John Morgan Rawlins, on April 3, 1952. They celebrated 53 years together until his death in 2005. She was an incredibly devoted, loving, and selfless wife, mother, and grandmother.
Shirley’s strong faith and unfailing optimism sustained her throughout her life. Her artistic skill and soul left its mark on everything she touched. Even with the responsibilities of raising a large family and supporting her husband, Shirley also volunteered outside of the home throughout her life. She was a consummate hostess who made everyone welcome and a part of the family. Her smile, affection, compassion, and positive spirit uplifted all who crossed her path, She truly lit up a room with her presence and was unforgettable to all she met.
She will be missed by her loving children, Ellen Rawlins Taylor, Betsy Rawlins Myers and Jeffrey, Francys Rawlins Smith, Kathryn Rawlins Dort, John Rawlins IV and Kimberly Peters, and Melinda Rawlins Apperson and Chris. She remains beloved “Nana” to her nine grandchildren, on whom she doted, Elliot Morgan Taylor, Alan Taylor, Russell William Myers, Clara Morgan Myers, Olivia Rawlins Myers, Michael Ryan Smith, Molly Francys Smith, John Joseph “Jack” Dort, and Christopher Riley Apperson.
Her grandchildren’s lives were enriched by their Nana’s wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Her memorial service will be held at 5:30 PM on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston, WV 25387 and/or Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25311.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the March 23, 2015 edition of the West Virginia Daily News.
