Shirley Blanche Decker Unsworth

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.