On June 18, 2024 Shirley Whitfield Lavish, 92, of Lusby, MD peacefully passed away in her sleep to be with our Lord. Born March 12, 1932 in Newport News, VA to Charles and Ella Mae Moore Whitfield. Shirley grew up in a loving family with three sisters and two brothers. Shirley was the youngest, so when her parents died, she moved in with her oldest sister, Christine, in Dayton, OH.

After completing High School, Shirley acquired a secretarial position at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. While working on base, Shirley met her husband-to-be, Lt. Alexander Lavish USAF, whose Air Force career lasted 33 years. They were married for 66 years, traveling the US and Europe with three children, Valerie, Craig and Mark. Moving every few years was never easy, yet Shirley made each new destination into an adventure. She was always enthusiastic and positive about each move, skillfully recreating a safe and loving home for us all.

As a homemaker, Shirley was involved in all of our school, sports, and church related activities. All of these events were skillfully scheduled around the use of one family car until 1970. Together she loved outdoor family activities, like camping, fishing and swimming. Besides being an excellent cook, Shirley enjoyed a variety of needlework projects, especially knitting, crocheting and embroidery. To relax she would read a variety of novels, or enjoyed watching movies with the family.

When Col Alexander Lavish and Shirley retired, they moved to the Mill Creek area of Lusby, MD. All three children had married to follow their own careers and family paths, while Shirley and Alex became active members at St. Paul United Methodist Church, as well as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Calvert Marine Museum. Shirley was always drawn to babies and loved volunteering at Patuxent and Appeal Elementary schools. She was the beloved “Goms” to eight grandchildren: Ian, Wyatt & Ellie Kund of MD; Chelsea & Chandler Wicks, Hunter & Torey Lavish, Tasha & Austin Maynard, Ariel & James Hudson of AL; Mark Jr & Trey Lavish of MI. Shirley was also a loving “Great Goms” to two great grandchildren: Rhodes & Audrey Wicks of AL.

Shirley will always be our loving parent that we knew as “Muzz” and a very special Goms & Great Goms in our hearts. XOXO

A private funeral service and interment will be scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s name may be sent to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 11000 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD  20657.