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Shirley Jean (Gibson) Frederick

Shirley Jean (Gibson) Frederick, 88, of Smicksburg, Pennsylvania, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior at her home on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026.

Born on August 8, 1937, in Gastown, Pennsylvania, Shirley was the daughter of William Detmar Gibson and Ashley Louella "Meyer" Gibson. She grew up in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilient spirit, and deep appreciation for family that would define the rest of her life.

At just 16 years old, Shirley married the love of her life, Wendell Harding Frederick, beginning a love story that would span 65 beautiful years. Together, they built more than a house-they built a home. It was a place where the coffee or hot tea with honey was always on, the kitchen was always busy, the card table was never empty for long, and every person who walked through the door knew they belonged. Until Wendell's passing in 2019, the two shared a partnership rooted in unwavering devotion, laughter, hard work, and faith. They lived in many different places over the years but ended up rooted in Smicksburg, PA where they built a home and raised their 3 children and later when the grandchildren started arriving they became "Mammy & Pappy"

Shirley leaves behind a family who adored her: her son, Sherwood "Woody" Frederick and his wife, Felicia, of Dyersburg, Tennessee; her daughter, Esther Fisher and her husband, Dennis, of Smicksburg, Pennsylvania; and her son-in-law, Brady Schrecongost and his wife, Karen, of Dayton, Pennsylvania.

She was the proud grandmother of Jason, Heather, Nici, Elizabeth, Wendy, Katrina, Deseray, Karina, Crystal, Jonathan, and Donald, and the treasured great-grandmother of Katherine, Garrett, Shelby, Lexie, Maddie, Anna, Ellie, Eden, Winifred, Michael, Natalee, Aubree, Zachary, Trinity, Thea, Jrue, Myles, D'Angelo, Bailee, Miller, Marceline, and Colter.

She is also lovingly survived by her brother, John Gibson and husband, Lee, of Brooksville, Florida; her sister, Doris Nelson and husband, Dan, of Jacksonville, Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and lifelong friends.

She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Wendell; her precious daughter, Karina, who passed away in 2002; her sister, Dorothy Weathers; and her brothers, Harry and Richard Gibson.

Shirley spent 8 years working at a sewing factory in Punxsutawney before later working 13 years at Musser's Nursery. A faithful member of Smicksburg United Methodist Church and the Women's Society, Shirley's faith was the foundation of her life. She loved her Lord deeply and lived her faith through gentle acts of kindness, a servant's heart, and unconditional love for those around her.

She and Wendell could often be found driving their motor home around selling junk at flea markets and shopping yard sales, always convinced the next sale might hold a hidden treasure. People started calling her the "Bag Lady" as she was always yelling, "Fill a bag for a dollar!' She loved trips to the casino, never turned down a lively game of poker at family gatherings, and once proudly claimed victory in a local Monopoly tournament. Some of our family's sweetest memories are of the two of them pulling their horse-drawn fire cart through local parades with grandchildren riding proudly behind them and earning several trophies.

She loved sitting in the sunroom of the home she and Wendell built together, watching her kitties and the seasons change.

Shirley had a fondness for peanuts and black licorice. She had a beautiful head full of curly red hair and a personality to match, never hesitating to tell you exactly what was on her mind. If you asked Shirley what mattered most, the answer would never have been possessions or accomplishments. It was always her people. She loved fiercely and without conditions. She celebrated every milestone, carried every burden alongside those she loved, welcomed everyone with open arms, and made each grandchild and great-grandchild feel like they were the most important person in the room. Her love was steady, comforting, and constant.

While our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice knowing she has been welcomed into the arms of her Lord & Savior and reunited with the love of her life & daughter. We can only imagine the joy of that reunion.

Above all else, Shirley loved her people. She loved deeply and fully, all of us.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many family members and friends whose love and support carried them through these past months. They also offer heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of 365 Hospice for the exceptional care, dignity, and kindness they showed Shirley and her family.

"Her life was measured not by the years she lived, but by the love she gave. That love lives on in every one of us"

Friends will be received from 11 AM until the time of services at 1 PM on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the Bauer Bly Funeral Home, Inc., 125 East Main Street, Dayton, PA the Pastor Katrina M. Laude officiating.

Interment will be in the Georgeville Cemetery, in South Mahoning Township, PA where Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved Wendell.

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