Shirley Jean Raff

Shirley Jean Beck Raff, passed away peacefully at her Florida home on March 17, 2021, her favorite kitty curled up on her lap and family at her side. She was just a few months shy of 84. She is preceded in death by her parents, Titus “Fred” and Emma Beck, husband Dr. Barry Raff, son Chris, and brother Larry. She is also proceeded in death by Clel, father to Clel Jr. and Chris, who held a special place in her heart. Shirley was born in Thomasville, North Carolina. While selling cosmetics for Max Factor, she met her husband of 41+ years, Dr. Barry Raff, an Army Captain at Fort Bragg, NC, and dentist. She will be sorely missed by her children, Clel Lee, Robin Taylor, and Kevin Raff as well as her daughter-in-law, Melody (Chris), son-in-law, Lux (Robin), and Shelly Huot (Kevin). Her grandchildren, Brandon, Clel III, Braxton, Allyson, Erin, Derek, Alex, Mia, and her growing group of great-grandchildren brought her much joy. She was well-cared for by Lisa, Mona, and Rosie. Her son Clel, Jr. also cared for her for many years and she cherished their time together. In many cases, as here, Alzheimer’s disease created an unfair and untraditional grieving process. We lost much of Shirley a long time ago, before her recent physical death and funeral. It’s hard to fully accept and grieve changes in someone who is still very much alive but not the same person. However, until the day she died, she remembered and loved her family and close friends. Those who knew her could attest she was one of the smartest, most beautiful, and fun-loving women on the planet. Not five feet on her toes, she was strong and stubborn, once driving through NY’s Upper East Side to retrieve her purse from a thief who shattered her car window as she sat in traffic. That man must still be running from our Mom; law enforcement was impressed, if unamused. She loved chocolate milkshakes (extra thick), coffee (lots of creamer), tennis, travel (esp. to Africa), reading, running, and feeding animals (esp. ducks), and to the annoyance of most, cigarettes. She loved skiing less but learned to keep up with her family, and logged 1000s of miles around the US driving to an uncountable number of horse shows, sporting events, and visiting her family. Please keep us all in your thoughts. As an alternative to flowers, kindly consider sharing a memory of Shirley or a small donation to your favorite charity or Lawyers Without Borders. She’d never expect that but would be honored. Messages of condolence welcome. Her funeral will be graveside at noon on Sunday, March 21, 2021 in Beth David Cemetery in Conklin Road, Conklin NY. Family will receive friends on from 7:00 until 9:00 pm, Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the Residence Inn, Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home. Goodbye, Shirl, we love you and miss you!