Obituary of Shirley Jean Merrill Holzworth

Shirley Jean Merrill Holzworth of Charlotte, North Carolina, died peacefully on January 20, 2023, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House. Born August 12, 1929, in Seattle, Washington and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Shirley was the daughter of Howard Dexter Merrill and Marguerite Culver Merrill. A devoted wife and mother, Shirley graduated from J. P. McCaskey High School in 1948 and attended West Chester State Teachers College (West Chester University) in West Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, Richard Carl “Dick” Holzworth, and together they raised two children who were her greatest joys.

Shirley possessed an unerring eye for beauty and was the personification of grace and elegance. She formed lasting friendships across the country and abroad as the family relocated to Philadelphia, York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Charleston and finally Charlotte in support of her husband’s career. She made every house a home, every move an adventure, and touched many lives along the way. Her devotion to family, faith and friends defined her life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and brother. She is survived by her husband Richard and loving children, son Grant M. Holzworth (Carol) of Charlotte and daughter Margaret “Poppy” C. Holzworth of Cornelius. She is also survived by treasured grandchildren William Henry “H” Atkins, Jr. (Carley) of Charlotte, Grant M. Holzworth, Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ, Jordan S. Holzworth of Charlotte, as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Condolences may be shared on the Tribute Wall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Shirley Jean Holzworth, please visit our Tree Store