In Memory of Shirley Clary Gay

Obituary

January 30, 2024, Shirley Clary Gay, of Ormond Beach, Florida, went on to her heavenly home peacefully at 79, after a brief illness at the Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY.

Shirley was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 31, 1944, to William F. Mullin Jr. and Gertrude Leone Mullin. On October 19, 1993, she married Donald L. Gay in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Shirley moved to Utica, NY, with her parents in 1954 and graduated from Saint Francis DeSales School in Utica, NY, and later from Alfred University. Following a desire to be a hair designer, she successfully established a hair salon and worked for over 50 years until she retired in 2019. Her unique talent in hair coloring, corrective processes, and designer hairstyles earned her recognition and appreciation. She broadened her abilities and expertise during her travels by attending beauty classes in Paris, London, Italy, Dubai, Germany, and many other countries. Shirley got a real estate license in 1985 and a broker license in 1986 and remained active until her retirement. She moved to Ormond Beach, FL, in 1984 and maintained a long-term residency. She was involved in various local Christian organizations and business groups. Shirley had an incredible compassion for others and a gift of optimism that uplifted those around her. We will lovingly remember her and sorely miss her.

She is survived by her husband, Donald L. Gay, Ormond Beach, FL, daughter Cheri Fort (husband Mark), Oneida, NY, and siblings: James Mullin (wife Francine), Westmoreland, NY, Lorraine Splann (husband Marty Sr.), New Hartford, NY, Margaret Mullin, Utica, NY, Janet Scott (husband Jonathan), Clinton, NY, William Mullin, New Hartford, NY, Thomas Mullin, Utica, NY; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A son, Donn Orr, preceded her in death.

In her honor, the family will host a private celebration of life in the spring. Arrangements are with Simple Cremation CNY.