Shirley Sullivan

Shirley D. Sullivan, 93, went home to be with her Lord on May 21, 2022, after a good and fulfilling life. She often commented on how fortunate she was to live so long, be healthy enough to enjoy it, and see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren do so well. She was predeceased by her parents Delbert L. and Myrtle A. Croman; brothers Gene and James Croman; father-in-law Wilburt Sullivan Sr.; mother-in-law Trena Sullivan; and her husband of 51 years, the love of her life, Wilburt Sullivan Jr. She also has seen the passing of many other family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and church family over the years, and was present, giving comfort to their families, whenever possible. She is survived by her loving sister, Donna Reynolds, Kirkwood, NY; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Robert (Bob) Whalen, Vestal, NY; son and daughter-in-law, Gregg and Elva Sullivan, Santa Fe, NM; eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She gave life to her two children, but she also taught them how to live. She had such a sweet, kind nature, people just loved her. Her smile would make you feel warm inside, we will all miss that immensely. She was always a positive force in people’s lives and always praying for them, she had a long prayer list. A follower of Jesus Christ, her faith led her to be a lay preacher, writing and delivering sermons for 30 years, always caring for others, she would always volunteer to help where she could. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Binghamton and for over a decade worked as the director of Christian Education. For over 20 years she was a member of the United Church of Christ in Endicott where she served in many leadership positions. She was a homemaker, wife, mother, and worked at various jobs. She started a homebased office service as a young mother, worked at the Endicott Trust Company, rising from bank teller to the student loan officer over 18 years, before going to work at the First Congregational Church. She loved reading and her tropical fish, keeping a large tank for many decades, but most of all, her favorite hobby was gardening, even in recent years as it became more physically challenging. She always enjoyed the flowers received when she was living, now the family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider making a donation to one of the following charitable causes she supported: Saint Jude’s (www.stjude.org), ASPCA (www.aspca.org), SmileTrain (www.smiletrain.org), or AmVets (www.amvets.org). We want to thank all the caregivers who have treated her so well and compassionately, but especially her granddaughter, Nichole Scott, who took family leave to so lovingly care for her in her home over the last weeks of her life. We cannot thank you enough. We also want to thank the family and friends who provided support in so many ways over these last weeks and months. It meant a lot to her and to us.
A private graveside service will be held with immediate family.