Shirley Joyce Heyworth (Patton) Obituary (1938 - 2021)

SHIRLEY JOYCE HEYWORTH Passed away at home with family on February 1, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born at home on September 1, 1938 in Eagle Creek Township, IL to the late Joseph and Edith Rose Sinsabaugh Patton. She was predeceased by her brother Gordon Patton and her husband Ernest Heyworth. Shirley grew up on a small farm in Eddyville IL. In those days, her mother sewed her a few dresses a year, and she was outgrowing shoes faster than the family could buy them. Shirley was an excellent student and received top grades in her class. In 1959, she married Ernest Heyworth. They settled in Herrin, IL, near Shirley's family. Shirley earned a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Southern Illinois and began her career as a teacher in Royalton IL. When Ernie was offered a job at Corning Inc, NY, they moved across the country with their two young daughters. Shirley taught for 38 year with the Horseheads Central School District as a beloved elementary school teacher. She especially loved teaching children to read. In 1970, she received a master's degree in American History from Elmira College. Shirley's example of hard work and dedication to her career paved the way for her daughters and grandchildren and reverberates through the generations. Shirley spent decades as a volunteer with the Arnot Thrift Shop, Elmira Garden Club, and the Horseheads Retired Teachers Association. She often stepped into leadership roles and was dedicated to these organizations. She also loved to write in her free time. She leaves behind countless journals and edited many essays over the years. During her illness, Shirley had the opportunity to say goodbye to many friends and loved ones, and to make sure everyone knew how much she loved them. She was at peace with the full life she lived, filled with adventures and fun, and looked forward to being reunited with Ernie. She is survived by her brother, Phillip Patton; two daughters Jennifer Trimber (John) and Amy Sopchak (Andrew); grandchildren Rachael Cravens (Richard), David(Amy), Elizabeth (Carlos), Gillian, and Emily Trimber, Ana and Andrew Sopchak; great grandchildren Joseph and Doug Vrooman, Jocelyn and Connor Trimber, Trey, Riley, and Reese Cravens; and nieces, Marjorie Heyworth and Valorie Heyworth; and many close friends.