Shirley Simms McAvoy, 82, of Arnold and previously Round Bay in Severna Park, MD. died on July 6, 2009, at the Hospice of the Chesapeake. The cause was cancer.

Mrs. McAvoy was born, on September 11, 1926, in Washington, D.C. to Terry Boisseau Simms and Katherine Bond Simms. Mrs. McAvoy attended schools in D.C. and graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. In 1950 she married Thomas D. McAvoy, Jr. and they moved to Blacksburg, VA. where he was completing his degree at VPI. From there the couple moved to Ohio, and eventually to Pensacola, FLA., where Mrs. McAvoy was Vice-Chairman of the Red Cross "Grey Ladies" at Baptist Hospital. She was also active in the Jr. Women's Club and the Fiesta of Five Flags. In 1971 the family moved to Severna Park, MD., close to Annapolis. Mrs. McAvoy was a member of the Severna Park Republican Women's Club and was a great believer in volunteerism and community. She also belonged to the Severna Park Garden Club and was a Life Member of the Federation of Garden Clubs of Maryland. In addition to her love of gardening, she enjoyed entertaining and decorating as well as reading, playing bridge, and the beach.

Mrs. McAvoy was predeceased by her husband, Thomas D. McAvoy, in January 2009.
She is survived by her two daughters, Dabney S. McAvoy, of New Hope, PA. and Polly E. McAvoy, of Baltimore, MD. as well as her son, William D. McAvoy, and her three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Audrey and Will. In addition, she is survived by her nieces, Nancy Yates Chase, of Aiken, S.C. and Terry Van Lear Yates of Palm Beach, FLA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 10 at 2:30 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Gov. Ritchie Hwy, in Severna Park, MD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com