Shirley Ann Cornwell, 86, of Locust Grove, Virginia passed away peacefully on
November 22, 2022.

Shirley was born July 16, 1936 in McBee, SC and lived her entire life in the Washington
DC area. She was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and a dedicated
public servant.

In her career with the Naval Research Laboratory, she always had the reputation as a
considerate, caring coworker and a compassionate, strong leader. After 30 years,
Shirley retired as GS-15 with the title of "Deputy Security Manager, NRL" making her
the first civilian woman to hold such a position.

As a wife and mother, she was known for her "legendary commitment to family".
Whether she was traveling to South America to help out with a brand new
granddaughter, donating a kidney to give her son a new lease on life or other acts too
numerous to mention here, she was always there for family.

In Shirley's day to day life, she taught everyone she encountered that beauty is
inside and out, that positivity is contagious, and that a little kindness can go a long way. She
was not only well respected but deeply loved by many.

In retirement, she enjoyed an active life with Carl, her beloved husband of 67 years, and
childhood sweetheart from the time she was twelve. She frequently traveled with
friends, played golf, served on committees, engaged in social groups, and regularly
visited out-of-state family. She served on the board of the National Active and Retired
Federal Employees (NARFE) and eventually held the position of president for that
organization.

Shirley was a devoted Christian and an active member at Lake of the Woods Church
from the time she moved into the neighborhood in 1994.

She is survived by her Husband Carl, Daughter Brenda, Son David and his wife
Barbara, Granddaughter Bianca and her husband David, Brother Robert and his wife
Lois, Sister Margaret as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday Dec 10 at 11am
Lake of the Woods Church
1 Church Lane
Locust Grove, VA. 22508

Enter the community from Route 3 (not Route 20) and let the gate know you'll be
attending the service.

A reception will be held immediately following the service at the church.
If you wish to make a donation to the Church in Shirley's name, you may do so at
https://www.lowchurch.org/give/