Obituary of Shirley K. Kingsley

Age 82, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021, after a brief illness. Shirley was born in Norfolk VA, a daughter of the late Thomas H. and Susie Meeks Keel. She was also predeceased by husband Gary K. Kingsley; brother Daniel L. Keel; sister Betty M. Keel; and grandson James E. Wells II. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Richard D. and Carol Kingsley of Elmira Heights NY with their children, Thomas Kingsley, Andrew (Melissa) Kingsley, Kaitlyn Kingsley and Victoria (Alek) Brown; daughter Susan E. Montalvo of Elmira Heights with her sons, Nieko Montalvo and Gino Caelan Montalvo; daughter and son-in-law Naomi J. and Andrew Avery of Elmira with their sons, Collin (Hannah) Avery and Connor Avery; sister Norma "Mickey" Moore of Newport News VA; brothers, Allen Keel of San Antonio TX and Kerry Keel of Enterprise AL; 15 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Shirley, with her sister Mickey, was an award-winning member of the International Cake Exploration Societé … "ICES". Together, for over 30 years, they traveled throughout the east coast of the United States to compete in decorating expositions. She also taught classes in decorating on the local and state level. Shirley loved being outdoors and was an avid gardener. She was a loving Christian woman who will be remembered for her gentle smile and kind spirt by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 West Water St., Elmira, on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A funeral service will follow at 12:15 p.m. Those wishing may remember Shirley with a donation to Economic Opportunity Program Inc. of Chemung and Schuyler Counties, 650 Baldwin St., Elmira NY 14901.