Shirley Grayson, 81, of New Smyrna Beach, died Thursday after a brief illness, at Fish Memorial Hospital. Her loving and devoted husband of more than 60 years, Robert Grayson, was by her side.
A dedicated volunteer for the Atlantic Center for the Arts and the Harris House, Shirley enthusiastically promoted the arts in New Smyrna. She frequently attended gallery openings and local artist events with her husband, a noted colored pencil artist who served as president of the Artists’ Workshop.
Her passion for the arts was transcended only by her love for people, and her ability to connect with others. She would light up a room with her warm smile, and her gift for conversation was well known among friends. Her love of life lifted everyone’s spirits. A devoted mother and loving grandmother Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family more than anything else.
Shirley Attwood was born in Detroit on November 24, 1932, the youngest daughter of Angelina Lemieux and Frank Attwood. She married Robert Grayson, her high school sweetheart, on May 30, 1953 and the couple raised three children in suburban Detroit, where Bob worked in the dairy business before retiring and moving to New Smyrna Beach in 2002.
A funeral gathering will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society, 1 North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach, followed by a service at 2 p.m. with reception to follow at Arts on Douglas, 123 Douglas Street, New Smyrna Beach.
In addition to her husband, Shirley is also survived by her brother Frank Attwood of Beverly Hills, MI; son Dennis (Nancy), of Oak Park, IL; daughters, Dianne, of Gilbert, AZ; Lisa Mitzelfeld (James), of Falls Church, VA; and grandchildren, Robert Grayson of Phoenix, AZ; Anthony Grayson, a student at New York University, NY; Paris and Benjamin Mitzelfeld, of Falls Church, VA.
Memorials to The Artists’ Workshop or the Atlantic Center for the Arts. Also, see the online tribute to Shirley at ForeverMissed.com.
I was so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. My Mom (Connie) and Shirley were very close. She was a great woman and so proud of her family. She was so thoughtful to have a mass said for my Mom last year and called me to tell me about it and I still have her message saved on my phone.My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.