Shirley Ann (Ulery) Christopher

On Friday, March 31, 2023 the spirit of Shirley Christopher, of McClellandtown, PA, formerly of

Greensburg, left her aging body of 91 years and entered the presence of God. While her earthly journey

has ended, it has been a life well lived; one that has been faithful to her God and her family.

Shirley was born June 3, 1931 in Brownsville, PA, daughter of the late Roy and Margaret (Easter) Ulery.

There were hard times economically, and her early years were spent

with her grandmother and Aunt while her parents worked on the river boats that carried coal to the

mills in Pittsburgh. That difficult start formed in her a strong will to succeed and over the next several

decades she managed many accomplishments.

First and foremost, perhaps was the love she shared with her husband Harold A. Christopher. They were

married on June 23, 1950 at the First Christian Church of Republic, PA. The commitment they

made there held firm for nearly 70 years until Harold’s passing in 2020.

Shirley was a graduate of Brownsville High School class of 1949. She and Harold spent the early years of

married life in Fayette County and later moved to Greensburg where they both enjoyed successful

careers. In 2010 they moved back to Fayette County and enjoyed many happy times with their son and

grandchildren.

For her career, she was a handwriting consultant for the P.O. Peterson System in Greensburg, PA where

she served over 30 years. In that role she traveled throughout Pennsylvania instructing elementary

pupils on penmanship. She authored a series of instructional guides for print and cursive writing that

were used throughout the P.O. Peterson system.

Shirley applied her leadership skills in many areas of her church life. She taught Sunday School classes

for different age groups. At one point she led a group of pre-teens and remained their leader until they

graduated from High School.

She was President of Christian Women's Fellowship for the state of Pennsylvania and wrote monthly

articles for Keystone Christian Newspaper.

One of her gifts was that of hospitality, hosting family and church gatherings multiple times each year

with her faithful husband.

Shirley had a wonderful, creative talent. She created a biblical based puppet ministry, and a clown

ministry, but her greatest achievement may have been the Kitchen Band in which she led a group of

women her age who would provide entertainment at senior centers, service organizations, and church

events throughout western PA. Again, her faithful husband would create props to go along with the

outrageous songs they sang. The props may have been more entertaining than the singing.

She has left behind a son Jeffrey A. Christopher and his companion Erica Dixon of New Salem, Pa. She

has two grandchildren, Brice Christopher and his wife Elissa of New Salem, Pa, and

Madeline and husband Pete Davis of Smithfield, Pa. A great grandson Woodrow Davis and a great

granddaughter Peach Davis. Her brother Dennis Ulery and wife Marolyn from New York, and many

nieces and nephews.

Now Shirley’s journey on earth is finished, she is in the presence of God and will hear him say “Well

done, good and faithful servant.”

Family and friends will be received in The Dearth Funeral Home, 35 South Mill Street, New Salem, PA

on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, and on Wednesday from 10 AM until the Funeral

Service at 11 AM with Rev. John Owen  officiating. Interment to follow in Lafayette Memorial Park. www.dearthfh.com

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