Shirley Graves Rooney, age 97, of Bethany Beach, DE passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025.  Shirley was born on November 19, 1927; the oldest daughter of the late Roy and Edna Harlow.

She worked at the Public Health Service as an administrative secretary in the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  She raised 3 children and lived 11822 Milbern Drive while working.  Bill & Shirley were important members of the North Chevy Chase Christian Church during this period.  Bill & Shirley retired after putting their 3 kids through college and decided to move to Bethany Beach.

She has been an integral part of many local Sussex County organizations during the 40 years she lived at her Middlesex Beach residence.  She was a consistent member of the Bethany Beach library annual fundraising drives.  She was member of the Rotary Club, and for many years on the Middlesex Beach HOA.  She always got involved in local community events.  She loved the beach, dancing and music.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William "Bill" C. Graves. They were wonderful parents and a great team.   After the passing of dad, she married Paul Rooney, a musician.   They had a wonderful time together with music being a focus of the relationship until Paul passed.  Mom was an umbrella dancer at his dixie land jazz gigs.

She is survived by her sister Betty Espey; two daughters Linda A. Heald and Patricia L. Smith; son William H. Graves; 4 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

The family welcomes friends that wish to join the family at a graveside service at 3 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Mariner's Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View, DE.   Friends are welcome at her house @ 135 Evergreen Drive Bethany Beach DE after the ceremony as part of a celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Shirley's name to Mariner's Bethel Church Ocean View, DE.