Shirley E. Rountree, 86, passed away on August 14, 2016, in her home.
She was born July 14, 1930, in Norfolk, Virginia. She was predeceased by her little sister Jean Summerell, and is survived by her nephews Leon, his wife Leann, and Wayne Dextradeur, and her Great nephew Dillon Dextradeur, all of whom she loved greatly.
Shirley began her educational career at Blue Mountain College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953, continuing her pursuit of further education at SW Baptist Theological Seminary receiving a Masters of Religious Education in 1955.
Shirley soon departed for an adventure of a lifetime – teaching for the DOD in Germany.
Upon returning to the US in 1959, Shirley began her career with the Virginia Beach School System. She quickly rose from the ranks of history teacher to Assistant Principal at Kellam High School, all the while continuing higher education at William & Mary and ODU. After 35 years of dedicated service in many of the local high schools, Shirley retired from Green Run High School where she was named Assistant Principal of the year in 1994.
Shirley lived life on her own terms to the very end. She hosted her final Deck Party last Friday night. Sunday morning she drove her treasured BMW at “oh-dark-thirty” to and from the Beach Pub to have breakfast with her Men Friends. Once home, she sat down one last time in her favorite chair.
Shirley was the Mayor of 75th Street. She hosted Friday afternoon happy hour for more than a quarter of a century on her deck. She was affectionately known as Aunt Shirley by multiple generations of 75th Street kids and will be missed by her neighbors and their dogs.
She knew and loved every dog who ever walked the Feeder Road and kept a supply of “cookies” in her pocket at all times. It is comforting to imagine that she is now forever surrounded by her furry friends.
Special thanks to Gay Burton and Susan Hall for their dedication, friendship and assistance over the years, and to her 75th Street Family for loving her with all their hearts.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 26 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1801 Baltic Avenue, Virginia Beach at 6pm to honor Shirley’s memory. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shirley’s favorite charities; Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 (www.vbspcs.com) or Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 (www.guidingeyes.org)