Shirley Plummer

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 July 2025 at 11:16 am

BARKER – Shirley Plummer, age 93, passed peacefully to Heaven on Sunday, July 6, 2025, surrounded by her three children and two grandchildren at Beechwood Continuing Care in Getzville.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Roy Plummer; sister, Elaine King; and parents, Robert and Thelma Willis.

Shirley is survived by her children, Robert (Lory) Plummer, Lisa (Dan) Wilson, and Kim (Ray) Wendling; her grandchildren, Chad (Annie) Plummer, Chelsea (Chris) Murphy, Alaina (Andy) Zapf, Rachel Wendling, and Samantha (Brennen) O’Connor; great-grandchildren, Azalea Zapf, Aria Zapf, and Chase Murphy; and nieces and nephews, Kasey King, Jeremy (Marni) Fayne and their children.

“I leave this life with no regrets. It was a wonderful life, full and complete with great loves of family, friends, and of music, which has enriched my life since birth.” She first learned to sing with her parents, followed by her first vocal solo at age 3 and piano lessons at age 4. At age 13 she enrolled in the Eastman School of Music preparatory program, majoring in both violin and piano. She furthered her education at Eastman, graduating with a Bachelor of Music. In 1970 Shirley earned her Master of Education. Music was always a huge part of Shirley’s life.

After marrying her high school sweetheart and fellow music lover, Roy, in 1953, she went on to teach music in public schools, participate in and lead the choir at the First Baptist Church in Medina, and started her family in 1959.

After moving to Barker in 1971, she taught music at Barker Central School, retiring in 1987. Shirley also participated in and led the choir at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker. She enjoyed accompanying Broadway shows produced by community theater, arranging music for choirs, brass groups, church presentations, and participating in the Barker Community Band.

Shirley shared her love of music and amazing talent with her family, church family, students, and the community. “My heart is full, hearing choir members at church and former students and their families continue to tell me what I meant to them.”

Shirley’s life will be celebrated through calling hours on Saturday, July 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina and a memorial service on Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church, 1449 Quaker Rd., Barker, NY 14012.

All are invited to stay for a meal following the memorial service. Interment will be privately held in Boxwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please provide donations to Faith United Methodist Church (address above) to benefit their music program. Share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.