Shirley "JB" Ann Curley

With a heart full of love and a life rich in experiences, Shirley Ann Curley, known by her kids as JB, gracefully departed this world on September 17. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Shirley was a kind, strong woman whose caring nature touched everyone she met. Raising her kids in Aston, PA as a single mom, she had a dream come true when she followed her husband Jim to Clearwater, Florida, where they resided for more than 30 years.

Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Walter H. "Poppy" Jones and Jeanette W. Fleming, who predeceased her, along with the family pupperdog, Hersey, and her brother Walter H. Jones, Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband, James E. “Curl” Curley, her children Nanette D. Spedden and Bart F. Spedden, Jr., daughter-in-law Jen Spedden, and her treasured granddaughter Dari Ann, along with her extended family: Jim Curley, Chuck and Cathy Curley, Chad and Shannon Curley, and grandchildren.

A proud graduate of Sun Valley High School's second graduating class in 1964, she began her career as a respiratory therapist. Always an amazing cook thanks to her mom, she was known to feed the neighborhood and cater large family parties and special events. Shirley pursued her passion for culinary arts, earning an associate’s degree from the Philadelphia Restaurant School, sharing her graduation month with her son Bart from Sun Valley thirty years after her own high school graduation. Her culinary journey saw her mastering the art of French cuisine, where family and friends savored even fancier meals and gatherings. Her nurturing spirit led her to various roles in healthcare, eventually becoming the director of food services in assisted living facilities.

Shirley's commitment to serving her community was a part of who she was. From her early days as a candy striper at Sacred Heart Hospital then on the Junior Board at Crozier Chester Medical Center, to becoming a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, a non-collegiate sorority of “Life, Learning, & Friendship,” she forged lifelong friendships while serving her community. Her involvement extended to being a "Band Mom” with both kids, starting the first SADD chapter in the Penn Delco school district, and being "Mom's Taxi" for her children's many activities, where she was always present, supporting and cheering them on. Her door was always open, welcoming her kids’ friends, feeding them, hosting sleepovers -- from the kids’ teen years through adulthood in Florida. She always made everyone feel welcome and at home. Shirley was always impeccably dressed (where everything had to be ironed!) and known for her short red hair and beautiful smile. She had a flair for high heels in her youth, which later transformed into a fondness for flip flops during her Florida days. Always a beach lover, from Cape May and Wildwood to Clearwater.

Shirley and Jim shared countless adventures, traveling the world to places like Greece, Italy, Ireland, China, and the Caribbean. Shirley and Jim often traveled with their daughter and extended family as well. Yet, her greatest joy was found in the presence of her family, celebrating life's milestones and everyday moments with love and laughter. Upon retirement, they spent a few months in Colorado with her granddaughter. From day trips to the beach to trips into cities like NYC, Philly, Baltimore and DC, she loved exploring with her kids. As a lover of Broadway, she enjoyed many Broadway favorites, often with her daughter and her husband.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Baycare's Mease Countryside Hospital and Suncoast Hospice for the care provided to Shirley. In honor of her loving spirit, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Shirley's life was a testament to love, service, and joy. Her legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.