Shirley Faye Eassa

Shirley Faye Eassa, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was 83.

Born on April 23, 1942, in Richmond, Kentucky, Shirley was the daughter of Elizabeth and Charles McKnight. After the passing of her father during her infancy, her mother later married Allen Hisle, who lovingly helped raise Shirley and her two older sisters.

She attended Madison Central High School in Richmond and began her professional career at the Blue Grass Army Depot. She later relocated to Middletown, Ohio, and eventually Dayton, where she worked as Executive Secretary to the Commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. While in Dayton, she also pursued computer programming studies at the University of Dayton. It was there that she met the love of her life, Edward Eassa. They married in 1976 and built a beautiful life together.

In 1981, Shirley and Ed moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she worked as a computer programmer for the Navy Supply Systems Command in Mechanicsburg. In 1984, she gave birth to her daughter, Elizabeth-a moment she cherished deeply for the rest of her life.

In 1990, they relocated to Indialantic, Florida, where Shirley found not just a home, but a community. She formed lifelong friendships with her neighbors on Waters Edge Lane, where regular happy hours in the driveway became a joyful tradition and a true reflection of her love for laughter, connection, and good company.

Shirley adored her two sisters, Charlene and Lucy May, who were her lifelong best friends. "The Sisters," as they were affectionately known, traveled often together, especially to places where Shirley could indulge in her favorite pastime-slot machines. The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas was her favorite, but Las Vegas and other casinos held a special place in her heart, too.

She and Ed spent many joyful summers at their cottage on Lake Ontario in Pillar Point, New York. The journey there was often filled with detours to casinos across upstate New York and Canada-a playful adventure they both enjoyed.

In 2012, Shirley welcomed her greatest joy-her granddaughter Lia Elizabeth. The bond between Shirley and Lia was incredibly special, filled with laughter, sweetness, and unconditional love. Shirley also had a soft spot for Elizabeth's late Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Arvil, who she proudly called her "grand-dog" and carried a photo of in her wallet.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law; her beloved sister Charlene; brother-in-law Tom; brother-in-law George; niece Jeannie; and stepdaughter Heather.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Edward Eassa; her daughter, Elizabeth Eassa; and her cherished granddaughter, Lia. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Karen Ehrenworth (Alan) and Chris Eassa (Laura); her step-grandchildren Paul, Kyle, Leslie, Stormie, Adam, and Abby; her loving sister Lucy (Billy); sister-n-law Betty; and many treasured nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Shirley had a way of making everyone feel welcome, turning strangers into friends and ordinary moments into something special. Her warmth, humor, curiosity, and generosity leave a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please honor Shirley's spirit by purchasing a lottery ticket or dropping $20 in a slot machine-she'd love that.

A celebration of life will be held in Brevard County, Florida on September 21st. Please reach out to Elizabeth Eassa on Facebook for additional information.