Shirley Eads

Shirley Eads, age 71 of Fairborn, peacefully went to be home with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 after a long battle with Scleroderma.  Shirley was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois where she met and married Dean Eads also from Decatur.  Shirley was a wonderful wife for over 50 years, and they built their lives in Ohio.  Shirley was the daughter of the late Rev. Neal and Ina Barnett.  Shirley is survived by her husband Dean; two children David Eads (his wife Cheryl) and Marsha Eads Carlson (her husband Daniel Carlson); five grandchildren: Autumn Carlson, Caleb Burton (his wife Jamison), Joseph Eads, Lindsey Eads, and Zachary Carlson; two great-grandchildren Sawyer Dean Burton and Reagan James Burton; three sisters Linda McCoy (her husband Jack), Kaye Hale (her husband James), and Cindy Hartman; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, other extended family and many friends.  Shirley is preceded in death by a sister Vivian Barnett, and a nephew Jayson Hartman.Shirley and Dean attended First Baptist Church of Fairborn for more than 34 years.  Shirley was a gifted pianist and singer, which led her to join the church choir, the ladies’ trio, the ensemble, sing countless solos and duets with her daughter Marsha.  Shirley used her talent to become the organist for many years.  One of her fondest memories was helping Marsha with the children’s choir.  Dean’s favorite children’s musical was “Down by the Creek Bank” in which he also participated.  Shirley and Marsha sang at multiple events including several appearances at the Greene County Fair Gospel Night.Shirley was employed at the Wright-Patt Credit Union starting as a secretary and used her musically inclined talents to carve an award-winning future as the Marketing Manager for the credit union.  Shirley wrote a jingle which also won a national marketing award.  “The Wright-Patt Solution” jingle was hummed and sung for years afterwards.  Though Shirley has been retired for several years, customers and employees still speak fondly of her.  One of her most treasured accomplishments was her creation of the Silver Arrows © program at WPCU®.