Shirley J. Elyard

Shirley Jean Elyard, 74, of Centerville Road, Bedford, died Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in Bedford.  She was born on September 25, 1937, a daughter of the late Clifford C. and Mabel D. (Reaves) Broyles in Brighton, MD.  On August 26, 1956 in Burtonsville, MD, she married Robert D. Elyard and he preceded her in death on June 23, 2008. She is survived by a daughter, Beverly, wife of Robert Willingham, of Athens, TX, four sons: David, husband of  Jo Anna (Miller), of Schellsburg, James, husband of Candace Suzanne, of Ashland City, TN, John, husband of  Linnea Jaeger, of Husum, WA, Joseph, husband of Jennifer (Swanson), of Bedford, nine grandchildren:  Kimberly, David, Jennifer, Samuel, Naomi, Ahmira, Aaron, Sarah, and Hannah, one sister, Mildred “Kate”, wife of Francis Oland of Olney, MD., and many cousins, extended family, friends, and Jennifer (Llewellyn), daughter of Linda Ashby, whom Shirley helped raise and considered a grandchild.  She was preceded in death by one brother Guy Broyles Jr., and an infant grandson, Christopher Elyard.

Shirley was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Cumberland. She loved her family and friends.  She loved taking pictures of her beautiful flowers and autumn leaves.  She enjoyed singing in the church choir, gardening, fishing and traveling.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  As she requested, there will be no viewing. Friends will be received on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Those wishing may make contributions to the Centenary United Methodist Church, 14501 Bedford Road, NE, Cumberland, MD 21502 in her memory.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.