Shirley Marie Dumas, 88 of Port Hueneme, California, passed away on April 26, 2023.
Shirley was born in Buffalo, New York to Jerome and Mildred Armading on December 22, 1934. She grew up in East Aurora, New York. Shirley married William Francis Dumas, a veteran of 24 years in the Navy Seabees. Their wedding at the altar of St. Francis of Assisi in New York on March 27, 1954, historically marked the first mixed faith marriage (Catholic and Protestant) in the region. Soon after their nuptials, Shirley and William honeymooned in Ontario, Canada. With William's service in the Navy, the first two children, William Francis Jr. and JoAnne Marie were born in Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. John Matthew was born 10 years later in California. They built their family life in Port Hueneme as the years moved forward.
Shirley was an active member of the Navy CBC Chapel in Port Hueneme and Ventura Jubilee Fellowship.
Shirley found joy in creating beauty at the end of her delicate brush, becoming skilled at doll and china painting. She was a devoted member of the local porcelain painters’ associations; she shared her talent and held leadership roles across the Seashore Porcelain Artists, California Association of Porcelain Artists, the Pleasant Valley Doll Club, and Fiesta Doll Club. She was also a member of the Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association.
Shirley is survived by children: William F. Dumas, Jr (Karen) of Wilderville, Oregon, Joanne Fannin (Mark) of Bloomington, CA and John M. Dumas (Jolene) of Running Springs, CA; grandchildren: Dawn Dorman (Ron), Sarah Lynsky (Brett), Mark Fannin, Kristina Nguyen (Richard), Steven Fannin (Amber), Brianna Dumas (Jeremy), Katriena Floran (Levi); and 15 great-grandchildren.
Shirley was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, William, and by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Dumas.
She has gone on to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and her husband, Bill.
Family and friends are invited to a Graveside Service at 12:00 noon on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.