Shirley J (Scott) Welker

Mount Carmel-Shirley J. Welker, 94, of 118 Greco Lane, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, January 22, 2022 after a long battle with Post Polio Syndrome.

Shirley was born in Shamokin on December 4, 1927 to the late John Scott and Olive Adams.  She eloped and married her best friend and soulmate, Ned Welker, in February of 1950 who preceded her in death in 2017.

After graduating from Shamokin High School in 1945, Shirley would pursue several occupations including the Office Manager at Berkheimer Earned Income Tax, Secretary at St. John’s UCC and the area’s sweetest Avon Lady. However, the roles she cherished most were Mother to her only daughter, Karen, and Nana to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley was selfless to a fault and dedicated all of her time and attention to her family, never missing an event or opportunity to babysit. She and Ned shared a life full of travel, joy and laughter. Their favorite place to make memories for all of their family to treasure was their Knoebels’ cottage, spending numerous nights in the park and around the campfire.

Shirley’s last few years of life were full of adversary, including paralysis, but thanks to her daughter, family and many wonderful Personal Care Aides (Carol, Melissa, Felicia, Lil, etc.) she continued a life full of meaning, kindness and an abundance of love. She absolutely loved the sunshine on her face and had many opportunities to soak it in amidst friendly conversation on her back patio.

Shirley was so resilient that we would commonly, half-heartedly joke that she just might live forever. It is only now in her death that we realize how true that it is. She was such a profound part of so many happy memories that she will live on daily through all of us left behind loving her. We will remember her every time we see a Buttercup, every time we feel the sun shine or see a big smile, and most importantly every time we need to be brave.

Shirley is survived by one daughter, Karen DeFrancesco of Mount Carmel; two granddaughters, Coryn Parker and her husband Jason of Mount Carmel, and Cheryl Smearman and her husband Andy of Bellwood; and one grandson, Carmen DeFrancesco III and his wife Charissa of Perkiomenville; four great-grandsons, Ned Smearman, Jaxon Parker, Miles Smearman, and Carmen DeFrancesco IV; three great-granddaughters, Isabel Parker, Eliza Parker, and Penny Smearman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Rebekah “Jenny” (Campell) Welker; a brother John Scott; two sisters, Ruth Unger and Betty Weimer; five brother-in-laws, William Welker, Robert Welker, Joseph Welker, Atwood Welker, and Louis Welker; and five sister-in-laws, Susan Welker, Nancy Welker, Mary Welker, Jane Goguts, and Goldie Thomas.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Shirley J. Walker, 94, of 118 Greco Lane, Mount Carmel-Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 29, 2022 at 11:00 am in St. John’s UCC with Pastor Eugene Boughner officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service. Arrangements are being cared for by Farrow-CJ Lucas Funeral & Cremation Service, 240 West Chestnut St, Shamokin. Lori Ann Campbell, supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.farrowfh.com