Obituary of Marilyn Lorett Whirley

Sister Marilyn Lorett Sheppard Whirley, 68, transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. During the last few hours of her life, she was surrounded by family and friends. At the time of her final moments, her sister Robbin was by her side. She was born on December 13, 1950 in Baltimore, MD. She was predeceased by her husband Calvin L. Whirley, parents James L. Sheppard and Ernestine Cates, son, Brenton Sheppard, nephew Anthony Tindall, stepson Calvin L. Whirley, Jr. (VA), and her first husband Floyd Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Robbin (Lee) Tindall of Elmira, NY, nieces Tanya (Gwynn Oak, MD), Alexis, Kyliah, and KeAnah (Elmira, NY), her stepdaughter Janice (William) Monroe (Forest, VA), uncle Wayne (Delores) Heard (Baltimore, MD), cousins Toni, Robin, Ira (predeceased) Shawn, Artize, Jodie, Ira, Dominique (predeceased), Rashawn, Lakeisha (all of Baltimore, MD), many friends including dear friends Betty Wells, Ethel Stroman, Mother Earlene Abraham, Mary Golden Brooks, JoAnn Bernhardt, and her church family. She is also survived by Mother Mary Brooks, whom she considered her spiritual mother. Even though she wasn't her natural mother, Sister Marilyn felt she was. She was educated in the public school system in Baltimore, MD until age 13. The family then moved to Lockwood, NY. She moved to Elmira at the age of 16 and resided there the remainder of her life. She then graduated from Elmira Free Academy. She enrolled in college courses at Corning Community College. Marilyn always worked, beginning at age 16. She worked for over 25 years as a ticket agent for Greyhound Bus Company (Ithaca, NY), and had numerous other jobs. Sister Marilyn was united in holy matrimony to Calvin L. Whirley on October 5, 1985. Deacon Calvin was her rock. He was a provider, a supportive husband, and father to Brenton. Often, he would stand in the gap for Marilyn. He encouraged her, spoke about God and the Word, and prayed with and for Sister Marilyn. In addition to raising Brenton, the two would take road trips, especially to a beach or a museum. Sister Marilyn accepted the Lord at an early age and rededicated her life about 40 years ago. She joined Faith Temple COGIC. She was a faithful member of the church and worked tirelessly, doing anything that was asked of her, even up to a few weeks prior to her death. Sister Marilyn actively served on the usher board, at one time being the vice president. She was a Sunday School teacher who had also started the Aspiring Missionary class at Faith Temple. From a very early age, Marilyn's favorite pastime activity was going to the library. Up until she was recently hospitalized, you'd find at least two books near her (in her kitchen, living room, on her table, in her bed). The Bible and another book of her choice. Her favorite book to read was the Bible. Sister Marilyn LOVED the Word and studied it at all times of the day and night. She would share the Word with any and everyone. It was recently said that while Sister Marilyn was teaching Sunday School, "the scripture just poured out of her." Sister Marilyn wanted people to have a personal relationship with God. Sister Marilyn was extremely vocal (said what she meant and didn't mince her words) and enjoyed being with her friends. When she wasn't reading or with her husband, Marilyn spent most of her time with her sister Robbin. She and Robbin talked on the phone every day, several times a day. Not only did they talk every day, they saw each other almost every day. The two were inseparable. Words can't describe their bond. There was nothing Sister Marilyn wouldn't do for her nephew and nieces. For those who knew Marilyn, (known to family as Lorett, and she certainly had a remark for you if you called her Lorett but wasn't family), you knew she loved her family. When people didn't understand why challenging things happened in their life, Sister Marilyn would be heard saying, "God makes no mistakes." Though her transition to Heaven is heartbreaking, we can be reminded of her words. She will be truly missed by all who loved her and she will live on in our memories. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at Fiath Temple community Church, 722 Standish Street, Elmira NY 14901. All are invited.