Shirley Hanson-Smith Obituary

Shirley Ann Hanson-Smith JOHNS ISLAND - Shirley Ann Hanson-Smith, 75, passed away March 4, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Her family and friends will celebrate her life April 14, 2022 at 2pm at Grace Church Cathedral at 98 Wentworth St., Charleston, SC, with reception to follow. Shirley was born in Springfield, MA on December 18, 1946, but spent all of her adult life in South Carolina near the mountains and beaches she loved. She was married to the Rev. Canon Dennis Smith (d.2019) for 41 years, and is survived by her daughter, Shannon Smith (m. Tom Hickey), her grandchildren, Robin and Gavin, and her cousin, Forrest Smith (m. Giuseppe Romeo). Shirley worked for the SC Department of Mental Health for over 30 years, and helped pioneer the program to train teams of mental health first responders for natural disasters and other national emergency events. Her retirement was well spent, with active interests in the Master Naturalist program, Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol, and Backpack Buddies of Seabrook Island. She never wanted to visit the same county twice and spent her whole life traveling to many wonderful places, including Egypt, Turkey, China, Costa Rica, and most of Europe. Remembrances in Shirley's name may be sent to Backpack Buddies of Seabrook Island. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston