Events
Shirley Blanche Decker Unsworth, age 77, of South Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, surrounded by all of her children.
Shirley was born on October 1, 1947, in Mesa, Arizona, to Jesse Smith Decker and Helen Ellsworth Decker. She graduated from Mesa High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, a Master's degree in Musicology from Potsdam State University (New York), and a Master's degree in English Literature from Appalachian State University (North Carolina). Her distinguished academic career included serving as a university instructor in music at Potsdam State University and in both English and music at Appalachian State University, before becoming the English Division Chair at Caldwell Community College in Boone, North Carolina.
Shirley married Arthur Emerson Unsworth, Jr., on September 29, 1966, and they shared 58 years together. She was a caring and devoted mother to her children and took great pride in their accomplishments. She dedicated much of her time and energy as a stay-at-home mother while also pursuing her advanced degrees and professional interests. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished and nurtured her relationship with each of them. Shirley filled her home with good music, great food, lovely quilting and crafts, and the best literature. Through her example, she imbued in each of her children and grandchildren a thirst for learning, a desire to create, and an appreciation for beautiful things.
Shirley will be remembered by many for her kind and loving service to others. She was a committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave much of her life to fulfilling ward callings as Primary President, Relief Society President, Institute Instructor, and Organist. With her husband, she served as a full-time missionary for the Church in the New York, New York North Mission.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Arthur, and her six children (and spouses): Arthur Erik (Paloma), Adam Edward (Amy), Andrew Emerson (Alison), Austin Everett (Elizabeth), Allison Elizabeth (Daniel O’Bryant), and Alan Ethan (Megan). She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren: Ian, Eleanor, Graham, Matthew, Sarah, William, Amelia, Adam, Katherine (Ben Merritt), Adison, Ashton, Emerson, Erik, Cate, Jack, Ethan, and Grayson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Temple Point Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 11038 Braidwood Dr., South Jordan, UT 84009. A viewing will be held prior to the services beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, Utah.
Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.
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Guestbook/Condolences
It’s hard to express how much I loved and respected your mom. Other than my own mom, she probably had as big an impact on my life as any other woman I know. Her example of intelligence, service, faith and grace were truly inspiring to me. She was a truly good person, a dear friend, and she will be sorely missed. Roy and I are praying for comfort for your family.
My condolences to you Brother Unsworth and all your family. You were all such wonderful members of the Boone Branch when you lived her. Thank you for all your years of service, and may God be with you through this time knowing well that you shall be reunited beyond the veil.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you family. She was a pretty lady.
The Unsworths were the warmest and kindest neighbors! The day we moved in, Shirley had us over for dinner (spghetti, I think). Small things like that mean a lot.
Shirley was my young women's leader; she was a strong positive influence in my teenage years.
She'll never know this but her strong example in seeking education helped me go back to school in my 40's; it's been one of my most exciting adventure yet.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this tremendous loss.
Much love--Bonnie Denison
Art and Shirley opened their hearts and home that Art built, to me for a semester when I attended BYU. Always thoughtful and kind, Shirley made my daughter her favorite "blankie" 46 years ago. (My daughter still has that shredded and loved blanket.) Shirley was making quilts for her grandchildren on one of my last trips! Her LOVE for her children and grandchildren was endless. In her last email, she described her children as "heroic" after her fall. I responded, her children are AMAZING...that's because they had such incredible parents. I am SO grateful she and Art found each other, shared a love and built a beautiful family. She was an exceptionally devoted wife. And I was blessed to call Shirley, my friend for over 50 years.
Heather McKenzie Davidson
Aunt Shirley has always been so genuine and kind to me. Her sweet reassurance squeeze and sincere inquiry of how I and my kids were doing taught me, by example, of what it looks like to show up authentically for one another.
She has been such a beautiful little sister to my mom and will be missed by all of us.
I look forward to the fun heavenly arrival party when we see each other again.
Love and hugs to you all - my dear cousins!
{sharon}
I have fond memories of Shirley from our school days together in Mesa, AZ. We were in the high school band and ACappella choir together as well as several classes. My cousin, Janet Bateman, lived with Shirley’s family our Senior year. Shirley was very talented musically and was an excellent student. She was a friend towards everyone and was well respected. I always considered her a good friend. I will miss her greatly.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Shirley. She was one of the kindest ladies I everI had the privilege to know. I wish blessings on you, Art, and the extraordinary family you and Shirley guided.
Shirley was such a kind, generous, gracious, and loving person. She and Art raised an amazing family, and they both played such an important part in my early years at Appalachian State University. Shirley will be greatly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know her.
Art, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I loss my wife in 2022 due to Alzheimer’s, so I can sympathize with you for your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. God bless you all, and please extend my condolences to Adam and Andrew.
I am saddened by this news of Shirley's passing. My sincere condolences go out to Art and all of the extended Unsworth family. Peace.
Art and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Shirley. She was a truly amazing woman. Her kindness and faith has always been such an inspiration to me. Art and Shirley, as they did for so many others, gave so much love and support to me through my years at ASU and while I was serving my mission. I will never forget their amazing ability to make each person feel as though they were their favorite and most loved person! I know the light of Shirley will live on through all of the people she touched during her life. I will miss her greatly. I am praying for peace and comfort for you and your family at this time.
With Love,
Lois Reid Jarrell
I am so sorry about the loss of Aunt Shirley. I have many beautiful memories of your mom and your entire family. I'm thinking of you all today and always.
I have very fond memories of both of your parents. They were wonderful kind, thoughtful people and I send my condolences. I will always remember our wonderful visit to Salt Lake City and having wonderful seats to hear the Christmas concert of the Mormon tabernacle choir. I will also always remember, so fondly the wonderful stollen she always gifted us with at Christmas. Charlie and I both loved your father and your mother.
We are so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was always so friendly and positive. She made a good impact on everyone she touched with her kindness.
What a beautiful funeral service. Our family's heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Art, and your family, for Shirley's passing. We loved the Decker family, and had close ties with Smith, Helen and their kids growing up in Mesa. My father, Floyd Denton, was the conductor of the Sun Valley Symphony when Shirley performed the Grieg Piano Concerto with them back in the late-1960s. I'm a pianist, and remember hearing that impressive and inspiring performance as a 13-year-old in the audience. My father also hired Art in the Mesa Public Schools system, so he might have been indirectly responsible for Shirley and Art's union! May the Savior's peace be felt by your family, and love and best wishes to you--Art, Mary, Elaine, Don, and all of Shirley's wonderful children and grandchildren..
Art-
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shirley. I often think back with fondest memories of the two of you and your family. My deepest condolences to you and your family as you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Todd Wright
Rest in Peace, dear Shirley. We are grateful to have been able to view the beautiful memorial service by your sister, children & grandchildren and friends in faith-a truly special tribute to you of endless love & appreciation. We pray for comfort & peace for all grieving your loss & know that your influence, love & caring, strong bonds of family love will be their gifts to have for always. God Bless Art & all the Unsworth Family. Peace, Love, Light, Kathie & Norm
Rest in Peace, dear Shirley. We are grateful to have been able to view the beautiful memorial service by your sister, children & grandchildren and friends in faith-a truly special tribute to you of endless love & appreciation. We pray for comfort & peace for all grieving your loss & know that your influence, love & caring, strong bonds of family love will be their gifts to have for always. God Bless Art & all the Unsworth Family. Peace, Love, Light, Kathie & Norm
My name is Jack O’Bryant, son of Allison Unsworth O’Bryant, and Grandson of Shirley. For the past year and a half I had the honor of having her as my English and History teacher. One of the things I deeply appreciated was how consistently she came up with new, fun, and amazingly creative ideas and projects for us to do. She was always so kind and patient with her teaching and had an incredible memory. One of my fond memories of her was learning new, obscure but brilliant vocabulary words, such as lugubrious, and trying to use them as often as we could when talking to each other. Even when she broke her back, and was lying miserably in bed she still made sure to call me, I loved that. I am extremely grateful I had the opportunity to learn from such an amazing, incredible person and teacher, who will forever be in my heart and memories.
Shirley and Art taught me the Plan of Salvation. It’s so hard to even think of them separately. Yet, here I am saying memories of just Shirley for now.
One day, I thought that Shirley and Art might like some custard. So, I stopped by with some. It turns out, it reminded him of the kind hisMom made.
Shirley stopped by a little while later in the month to give me a beautifully quilted sqquare to match my decor.
I made oatmeal cookis; she made these amazing, dainty sugar cookies delicately frosted….amazing.
A friendsship solidified. I held her tight when life got in the way. And will always love forever and ever
Dear Art -- I learned only today of Shirley's passing and want to offer belated condolences on the loss
of an extraordinarily fine human being. She was a pleasure to know and the best of all possible in absentia officemates. I'll remember her with gratitude for that and with affection for her friendship.
Bill