Surrounded by angels, Shirma Joyce (Davis) Pence, 88, of Greenville, Ohio made her journey home to Heaven on July 26, 2024.
Born November 4, 1935, in her family hometown of Union City, IN, Shirma was the daughter of Anderson and Edith Iona (Contrell) Davis.
Shirma was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband John “Jack” Pence, sons Bruce Gower and Jeffrey Gower and by her nine siblings and their spouses: Alva Raymond Davis, Agnes “Peggy” Davis Stayton (Johnny), Elsie Davis Howard (Robert), Esther Davis Starbuck (Glen), Vera Davis Eichhorn (Elmer), Richard Davis (Doris), Donald Davis (Phyllis), Lloyd Davis, and Beverly Davis Wade (Don).
Shirma resided and worked in Greenville and the Darke County area for more than 60 years eventually retiring from Shrader’s. Shirma was devout and rejoiced in her relationship with her Lord and God. She served as an inspiration to many through her volunteer work with Emmaus Walks, Stephens Ministries, a Sunday School leader, church choir member, and as a member of the church leadership council. Shirma was a dedicated volunteer for Wayne Hospital for over 30 years, helping patients and families. She proudly served as the Worthy Matron of the New Madison and Bradford Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Gardening was her lifelong passion and her pride and joy. During the summer, you would always find in her garden, smiling, digging, planting, and weeding. An accomplished cook and private event caterer, Shirma won multiple awards for her entries at the Darke County Fair and the Ohio Beef Cookoff. Shirma loved music! During family gatherings, Shirma would bring the family around the piano to sing while she played. She was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and would be glued to the TV during football Saturdays. Shirma loved angels and has taken her place with the Heavenly Choir.
Shirma was the loving mother to her three children and is survived by her son, Richard “Rick” (Isabel Raci) Gower of Libertyville, IL. She is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Drew Gower (Linden McBride) and children August, Whitman and Issac (twins) of Florence, S.C., Nathan Gower of Shelby, N.C., Nicholas Gower (Diana) and daughter Nola of Chapel Hill, N.C., Elizabeth Gower of San Francisco, CA, and Rebecca Gower Fife (Nolan) and daughters Abigail and Annalee of Vermillion, S.D. Shirma is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A Celebration of Shirma’s life will be held August 5, 2024, at 12 p.m.at The First United Methodist Church of Grenville, 202 W. 4th Street, Greenville, Ohio, 45331. Visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment immediately following at the Lisbon Cemetery, Union City, IN.
In lieu of flowers, all funds collected will be used to donate a Buckeye tree to be planted in the Greenville City Park in Shirma’s honor.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Pence family.
