Shirley Poll McCarty Franklin passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2021. She had been living her past 13 years near her devoted son Jeff and wife Antoinette and their three sons. Shirley brought her beautiful smile and generous spirit wherever she went and was filled with grace and kindness to all. She found endless joy as a sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother always remaining close to her family. Her dear friends and family were her focus and source of happiness, showering all she loved with endless dedication and support.
Born in Holland on April 18, 1937, Shirley was the daughter of Benjamin and Alice Poll. She was a 1955 graduate of Holland High School and went on to attain a second degree from Western Michigan University. There in Kalamazoo she met and married Ted McCarty settling down to raise her two children Lynn and Jeff. She was a wonderful loving mother who provided a happy stable childhood encouraging success, individuality, and education. She continued this dedication and support of her children into their adult lives, and eventually to each of her 5 grandchildren. Shirley lived her life fully with strength, beauty, and devotion, always honoring her small-town values and beliefs through happy as well as difficult times. In 1997 she married David Franklin and they traveled the world together while living many happy years between their Battle Creek and Florida homes. These years brought new happiness and love which she treasured until his passing in 2006.
In her later years, she created a beautiful new life and home for herself in Bloomfield Hills just minutes from her son Jeff, and his family. Shirley enjoyed her last days and years watching and helping them grow up, attending all their sports and school events with enthusiasm and pride. She was dedicated to being the best she could be through exercise, positive thinking, and prayer. Strong and disciplined she was known as “The Plank Queen” at her beloved Bloomfield senior center where she made many friends through their exercise classes and cultural trips. Also! not forgetting she was named “Christmas Cookie Queen “ in 1979 for her unforgettable baking. Her kindness and sparkle will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Ben and Alice Poll, sister Dorothy Poll Kraii and brother Donald.
Surviving family members include children Lynn McCarty and husband David Nyzio, Jeff McCarty and wife Toni, grandchildren Zachary, Joshua and Maxwell McCarty, Charley and Kazimir Nyzio. Sisters Arlene (Chuck) Knooihuizen, Judy (Larry) Kolb, Marilyn (Charlie) Hiemstra, and brother Howard (Jeanne) Poll.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday (June 8) at the First Reformed Church, 630 State Street, with the Rev. Dr. Daniel Gillett officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting is one hour prior to the service, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Judes, American Cancer Society, or the Wounded Warriors.
Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.
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