HEATH SPRINGS, SC ~ Anita Gebbia Shirley, age 53, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017 at CMC-Pineville. She was born March 29, 1964 in Washington, DC, the daughter of the late Joseph Alexander Gebbia and Geraldine Van Stratum Gebbia. Anita was first and foremost a Mother. She was a very strong and giving person. She loved the beach and spending time at the pool. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, being outside and spending time with her family and friends. She was a very active and devoted member of Fork Hill Baptist Church where she served in the Pre-School Department.

Anita is survived by her children, Michael Shirley of Heath Springs, Brentin Shirley of Florida, Tristan Shirley of Heath Springs, Shamira Shirley, Natalie Shirley, Dylan Shirley and Amelia Shirley of the home; her adopted family, Sheila McManus, Ralph McManus and Clint McManus; a God-daughter, Jada Blackmon of Lancaster; two brothers, Joseph Alexander Gebbia and his wife, Sherri of Delaware and Leonard Joel Gebbia of Chester; her step mother, Diane Gebbia of Chester; Aunts and Uncles, Mary Jo and Pete Gebbia, Fred and Terry Van Stratum and Shirley and David Pitcher, all of Maryland, and Bruce and Debbie Van Stratum of Florida; many, many cousins and her special pets, Bindi Boo Dawn and Precious.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents; and her adopted mother, Marcine BB McManus.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Anita will be 3:00 pm, Monday, June 19, 2017 at Fork Hill Baptist Church by Rev. Kenny Pittman, Rev. Benjy Simmons and Rev. Dale Walters. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 8:00 pm Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Burgess Funeral Home and suggest in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to www.hope4anita.com. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to their many friends who have helped them during Anitas illness and will continue to be there for them in the days ahead.