Shirley Jean (Wood) Worden - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Shirley Jean (Wood) Worden

September 30, 1935 - January 30, 2019

Shirley Jean (Wood) Worden, age 83, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Born in North East, MD on September 30, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Thomas S. and Jane (Futty) Wood. Shirley grew up in Elk Neck next door to Hart’s United Methodist Church, part of a large, warm and wonderful family. This love of family grew as her family grew. Her husband of 59 years, Dexter, was her greatest companion and supporter.

As her two sons, Stephen and Gregory grew up, she followed them to school. She started as the homeroom mother, then became a teacher’s aide at Shue Middle School. She later rose to become the manager of a benefits office at the University of Delaware.

Shirley enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing and quilting in her spare time. In her younger years, she and Dexter were frequent campers. She said they could break any drought anywhere by just putting the tent up.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Dexter Worden; son, Gregory Worden; grandson, Daniel Worden; brothers, Allan C. Wood, Thomas Wood, Jr. and John S. Wood; and sister, Mary Jane Fogg. She is survived by her son, Stephen Worden; daughter-in-law, Lynn Worden; sisters, Nancy A. Ball and Catherine F. Pickens; sisters-in-law, Kay Wood and Evelyn Wood; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at her church, Ebenezer United Methodist, 525 Polly Drummond Road, Newark, DE 19711. A memorial service will begin at 10 am. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Shirley’s memory to Newark Senior Center Meals on Wheels, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713. She and Dexter were Meals on Wheels drivers for fourteen years.

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4 Condolences for Shirley Jean (Wood) Worden

  • Shirley was a very Dear Sister In Christ To Me we had very lovely conversations together.
    We often met at Zingo’s ,many times and had a nice chat together ,I am sad in my heart she passed ,and
    I guess God didn’t want her to suffer anymore and called her home with him.
    I Fran is going to miss her very much ,she was a Sweet and Loving Person .Take Care Shirley Rest In Peace ….With Love Fran

  • I had the opportunity to work with Shirley when she was the manager of the benefits office at UD. I was the Dean of Students at the time. Shirley was the consummate professional and always extremely helpful. She also had a superb sense of humor which is a necessity in her type of position. I have many wonderful memories of Shirley. I wish her family the very best during this difficult time.

    Respectfully submitted,
    Tim Brooks

  • Lisa and Sue and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of Shirley. Roger and I had such nice memories of spending time with Shirley and Dexter and going on boating outings. I enjoyed working with Shirley at Shue School for many years. I feel grateful for the times , just lately, that Shirley and I were able to spend enjoying a car ride and a meal together. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen and Lynn and her grandchildren at this time.
    Shirley was a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed.

  • Shirley,you are missed by so many.i have enjoyed so much ,our lengthy talks and laughs..I was looking forward to your call on the Tuesday you came home..The one you said that you would need me when you got home..But that was not to be ..God wanted you home with him..He didn’t want you to suffer anymore..Rest in peace Shirley my friend.. With love… Betty & Tom Ainsworth