Shirley Ann Austin
February 19, 1947 - December 20, 2025
Shirley Ann Austin, age 78, of Newark, Delaware, passed away on December 20, 2025, following a short illness at Christiana Hospital, with her family at her bedside.
Born on February 19, 1947, in Frederick, Maryland, Shirley was the daughter of Lawrence and Anna (Cosgrave) Melvin. She grew up on the family farm, where she developed a lifelong love of gardening—especially flowers—and learned the value of hard work.
Shirley retired from State Farm Insurance Company after 41 years of dedicated service. While working full time, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Goldey Beacom College by attending night classes, a testament to her determination and commitment to personal growth.
A devoted member of the Methodist Church from childhood, Shirley remained a faithful follower of Christ throughout her life. Her generous spirit and cheerful personality earned her a wide circle of friends, including her church family at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Newark, her cherished “winter friends” in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and her “fire service family,” whom she met while traveling with her husband to firefighter events across Delaware and the nation.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Steve, whom she married in 1982; her son, David Clutter of Brunswick, MD; her daughter, Sherry Cardenas (Dave) of Las Vegas, NV; her brother, Richard Melvin, and sister, Mary Young, both of Frederick, MD. She was lovingly known as “Aunt Shirley” to her many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will be held in Florida later this winter. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 525 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE 19711 or online by clicking here.
Jimmy Boyd
Shirley was a great Lady and To The Love of Her Life Steve Austin.
Jimmy Boyd
Steve And Family My Condolences To All The Family. I’m Deeply Sorry.
Martha Doyle
My deepest condolences to Steve and the family. Shirley was truly a light and I have incredibly fond memories of spending time with her Florida. Her loss is immense and will be felt my many- near and far. Sending my thoughts and love from Canada.
Tom and Paula Machut
Heaven received one beautiful angel when Shirley passed away. We are so happy that we had a chance to know Shirley and count her as a friend. You will be so missed by all of your Florida Winter Friends. Thank you for all of the memories! Rest in Peace.
Paul Eldridge
Steve, you lost a Good Partner. She was your full time
Ed and Harriet winokur
We are so sorry to hear the sad news . We pray for you and your family at this time. Shirley will be greatly missed by us and many others at Castle Reef.
Bill Butterworth
Steve, So sorry to hear about Shirley. I remember her as always being friendly and kind.
She will be missed by many.
Randy Roberts
Steve, sending sincere condolences. Keeping you and family in our prayers.
Jim Kolasinski
My deepest sympathy to The Austin family. I worked with Shirley at the State Farm office in Wilmington. She was always helpful in a friendly manner to the Estimatics and Claims personnel. What a kind soul. Heavens getting a good one!
Rosalie and Gerry
Condolences to Steve and family on the passing of dear Shirley. We met Shirley in New Smyrna Beach and were taken with her sweet character and generous nature. We are very saddened by her passing and will miss her so much. Castle Reef won’t be the same without her!
Bill Furry
I am so sorry for your loss, may GOD’s healing and comfort fill your heart in this time of grief .
Bill
Rose Loafholt
So sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. We worked together at State Farm Ins. I will always remember her laughter and her smile. Rest in Heavenly peace.
John and Virginia Reed and Family
Dear Steve and Family, John and I are so deeply saddened by Shirley’s passing. It is rare that two couples living states apart develop such a closeness, and we treasure our beach time and dinners with you. Shirley possessed a natural beauty that everyone loved. With our deepest condolences, John and Virginia Reed and Family, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania
Tilio (Tony) Suppe
Steve, our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Ted Teschner
Steve and Shirley were a perfect match. I got to know them many years ago at Mr. Dunderbak’s where they hosted Steve’s 70th and 75th birthday parties. The Birthday parties they hosted were the largest parties ever hosted in Mr. Dunderbak’s 50 year history. Only Shirley and Steve could draw a larger crowd for the 75th than the 70th. They were able to do so because everyone they came in contact with instantly became their friend. Steve would often sit and tell me stories about Delaware and the fire business while Shirley would go do some shopping in the mall. They both were always generous and kind to my staff and everyone that they came in contact with. They would often bring around 8 people when they attended a beer tasting. Shirley was the quiet strenght behind Steve and will be missed by everyone she came in contact with. They were unafraid to talk about Christianity and no doubt Shirley is serving God in heaven and waiting on her husband and best friend Steve.
Eugene & Candace Cabonor
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Shirley. We remember how kind and inviting she was to us as new residents of Castle Reef. We will miss her.
George Dove
Steve with heavy hearts Amy and I send prayers to you and your families/she was one great lady and one that set next to the lord/we can remember the first time you brought her to the convention and Shirley and Amy stayed together as we were at the convention and then at the Apple Blossom Festival/we have our moments with the lord with her next to us /god bless my friend anytime just call Rouss ours and we will be there for you/god bless
Marilyn (Clutter) Logsdon
Your mom was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words & will be missed beyond measure. The loss of a mom is one of the greatest loss in life. I’m thinking of you during this difficult time. I hope that your memories of your mom bring you peace, comfort and strength. Always kind, loving and giving is how I remember Shirley. We shared our first apartment together, started working at State Farm together and shared many family weekends together. She gave me my 1st nephew and my 1st niece. An angel in disguise.
Barbara McNall
Shirley and I worked together at State Farm. She was in Delaware and I was in Maryland. We would meet on many occasions in the Baltimore area to work face to face. We had some wonderful times, hard work, laughter and fun were always part of our time together. Shirley will definitely be missed by many. Rest easy beautiful lady!
Wendy Glover
With deepest sympathy Steve-to you and your families. Shirley was a kind giving soul who will be deeply missed by all.
Kathy and David Jacobowitz
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared with Shirley, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Kathy and Peter Burroughs
Kind, generous, thoughtful, humble, photographer extraordinaire, amazing shuffler, irreplaceable – these are just a few of Shirley’s attributes. We are deeply saddened by her passing and send love and hugs to Steve and the family.
Eric Smothers
Steve my condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Judy Kennedy
Steve and Family, so very sorry to hear about Shirley. She was always so friendly and welcoming. We spent many years at Castle Reef and always looked forward to our visit with you and Shirley. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Judy Kennedy 🙏
Michelle Hewitt
My heartfelt condolences to Shirley’s beloved family. Ms. Shirley was such a beautiful and caring person! I had the pleasure of working with her at State Farm for years! So many memories… she was an excellent claims resource and helped so many people. She was a great friend and lunch buddy! She always shared the best recipes – my favorite was her orange gelatin poke cake, and I think of her every time I make it! She will be remembered by her kindness, positive spirit and influence – always smiling and truly cared for those around her. She will be missed.
Jodi Medow
I’m so sorry Steve, Sherry and family. Shirley was the sweetest lady and I will miss her dearly. Especially, her sweet smile and hugs. It was an honor to know and love her. I know she’s rejoicing up in Heaven. Love to all of you.
Donna Sperow
Steve and family, Shirley will be missed and remembered by all who were blessed to know her. I knew her from Ebenezer and also the Bible Study for Today class we both attended. She always had that beautiful smile, a warm greeting and positive conversation, never a negative thought. I know she felt God’s presence and His comforting warmth when she was getting ready to join Him in heaven. She told me that. Take comfort in knowing she is with Jesus now.
Linda Walter
Shirley was a very special co-worker but was a wonderful friend. We shared stories of our families together and how proud we both were of our kids! So many fond memories.
Sheri
Everyone loved Shirley! She will be so missed by everyone at Castle Reef.
Steve, my condolences and heartfelt love. Sheri Tanner Eichman
Thomas Harris
Steve, My Friend, you have my most sincere condolences, having known you and the Mrs for many years I reflect on some good memories. I Am here