Mrs. Esther Shirley Louise Smith Aspas, of Birdsnest, wife of the late Rev. Paul T. Aspas, went on to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at the age of 97.
She was born on April 23, 1928, in Greenlane, Pa., to the Late Charles Dalby Lee Smith and the late Esther Frieda Louisa Buehler Smith.
Shirley is survived by her three children, Shirley Elaine Aspas Sandifer (Ronnie), of Charleston, S.C., Paul Thomas Aspas (Lori), of Lodi, N.Y., and Candice V. Aspas (Steve), of DeLand, Fla. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her eight grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and many very special nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.
Shirley was predeceased by her sister, Violet Virginia Smith Callahan Obert (the late Frank Callahan and George Obert), of Birdsnest; her brothers, the Rev. Edward Lee Smith (the late Dorothy), of Dublin, and Charles Robert Smith (the late Marion), of Accomac; her niece, Joy Arlene Smith, of Dublin; and her great-great granddaughter, Penny, of Alaska.
Shirley’s life was devoted to God, church, and her family. She was known for her special cards, delicious dinners and desserts, and that beautiful smile, always ready to help out when needed. She was a devoted wife, mother, and daughter. Shirley was a caregiver to her parents, her mother-in-law, and her precious husband. She was a military spouse and a minister’s wife. She had a deep love for her church family as well. Her warmth, generosity, and deep commitment to others will be remembered and missed by all who knew her. A special thank-you to Riverside Hospice for their love, compassion, and care.
A service celebrating her life will be held Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m., at the Community Church of God, 9079 Birdsnest Drive, Birdsnest, VA 23307 with the Revs. Tom Kellam and Judith Smith Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Occohannock Cemetery in Belle Haven. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church one hour prior to the service to offer their respects.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Camp Christi, 4704 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 or Community Church of God, 9079 Birdsnest Drive, Birdsnest, VA 23307.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
