Shirley (Gills) Scott, 86

Shirley (Gills) Scott, 86, of Morristown, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2021 in Phoenix, AZ, surrounded by loving family.

Shirley was born on October 28, 1934, to the late Howard and Nina (Abernathy) Gills in Ellwood City, PA. She is survived by her husband, Edward Scott, whom she met in Ellwood City As high school sweethearts they spent 70 years together and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Shirley was a 1952 graduate of Ellwood City High School and a lifetime member of The Ellwood City Chapter of The Order of the Eastern Star. She studied for two years at Grove City College before transferring and graduating Summa Cum Laude from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Education, majoring in science. While at Penn State, Shirley was inducted as a member into The Phi Beta Kappa Society, a high honor for her academic achievements. Shirley was an avid learner and continued her education throughout her life by pursuing an associate degree in Computer Science, and earning her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1987. After graduation from Penn State, Shirley taught Chemistry at Ellwood City High School after her father, the Chemistry instructor, had suffered a heart attack. She returned to the work force in 1976; utilizing her Computer Science degree, and began her 23-year career with Nabisco, retiring as a Senior Financial Analyst.

Shirley enjoyed community involvement with local organizations including serving on the board for the Morristown Twigs and the Terravita Diamonds as well as leading scout groups for The Girl Scouts of America. She was a member of The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, NJ and a visiting member of the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Carefree, AZ, where she enjoyed being involved in Bible Study, charity events and Circle 11. Shirley held past memberships at the Spring Brook Country Club and The Field Club in NJ as well as the Terravita Golf & Country Club in Arizona. Shirley was passionate about reading, cooking and entertaining for her family and friends. In her free time, she enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, bridge, Words with Friends and Mahjong. She also enjoyed traveling the world with her husband visiting places such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Alaska, however, her most treasured travels were to visit and spend time with her family which included an annual family vacation to Long Beach Island NJ which began in 1963.

In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her in-laws John Scott and Mary Jo (Fellner) Scott. She leaves to mourn her passing and to celebrate her life, her husband and daughters Cheryl (Jack) Gerber of New Wilmington, PA; Patricia (Barry) Enright of Morristown, NJ; and Pamela (Dale) Auchenbach of Collegeville, PA. In addition, she leaves eight grandchildren: Jim (Lacey) Gerber, Lauren (Jesse) McAnallen, Kenny (Kait) Auchenbach, Scott (Michelle) Auchenbach, Barry Enright Jr., Rebecca (Mike) Bunalski, John (Kate) Auchenbach, and Edward John Enright; seven great-grandchildren: Jillian, Jacob, Kaylee, Guthrie, Michael, Sadie, Maxwell; in-laws, Carl Scott, Audrey (Hallberg) Scott, Sally (Bob) Robuck as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Shirley.