
In Loving Memory

Shirley L DeWitt
September 5, 1938 — May 3, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley L. DeWitt, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 87. Shirley was surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her own home, a testament to the warmth and devotion that defined her life.
Born on September 5, 1938, to John and Nora Wregglesworth, Shirley grew up in a household filled with love and laughter, along with her brothers John, Duane, and Raymond, and her beloved sister, Patricia Hemphil, who survives her. Shirley's life was a tapestry of beautiful moments, woven together by her unwavering commitment to family and community.
On May 28, 1959, Shirley married the love of her life, Jack DeWitt. Their union was a testament to dedication and resilience, marked by a journey that began with Jack’s drafting into the Army. Together, they braved the challenges of military life, first in Oklahoma and then in Germany, where their first son, Darren, was born. Their family grew with the addition of Darryl in 1963, the same year they embarked on a new chapter by establishing DeWitt's Shell Service, a business that became a cornerstone of their community in Buchanan, Michigan.
In 1966, Shirley gave birth to Darrick, whose life, though tragically brief, brought immense joy to the DeWitt family. Darrick's memory remained a guiding light for Shirley throughout her life. With the arrival of Suzan in 1970, the DeWitt family was complete, and Shirley's nurturing spirit continued to flourish.
A devoted mother to her surviving children, Darren (Kimberly), Darryl (Loretta), and Suzan, Shirley's love knew no bounds. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Darrick (Jasmin), Kyle (Brook), Aaron, and Carl (Emily) Case, as well as her great-grandchildren, Nora, Audrey, and Jackson, who will forever carry her spirit forward.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, her son Darrick, her parents, and her brothers. Despite these losses, she remained a beacon of strength and compassion, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her.
A graveside service will be held on May 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan, where Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved Jack. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Heartland Hospice, whose compassionate care allowed Shirley to spend her final days surrounded by those she loved. Donations can be made at Heartland Hospice.
The DeWitt family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staffs of Heartland Hospice and Home Instead for the tender care they provided, ensuring Shirley's comfort and peace during her final journey.
Shirley's life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community. Her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones in the embrace of everlasting love.