Shirley was born on May 28, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Joseph Russell Conard and Mable Lorraine Brill. The youngest of seven children, she was the last survivor of the Joseph Conard family. Mrs. Gregory spent most of her working years as a Business Office manager. However, her proudest accomplishment was her family. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Richard Leon Gregory; her son James Russell Gregory; and her granddaughter Kendahl Dawn Runion. She is survived by her daughter Debora Sims (Dale) of Grand Prairie, TX; her daughter Susan Eubanks (John) of the home; her son John Gregory (Patty) of Belton, MO; 12 grand children, 9 great grand children, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley was a member of First Baptist Church Grand Prairie. Her ministry of late was that of greeter. Every Sunday she could be found at her assigned door with a wide smile and a warm greeting as people entered the building. She loved her church family, and ministered many years with gracious hospitality welcoming friends to her home for a great meal and time of fellowship. She became a believer in Christ in 1961 while Richard was away on a naval cruise. Her faith in Christ grew to become a very important aspect of her life.
Shirley enjoyed sending greeting cards to friends and family. It was her way of expressing love. That didn’t stop even after her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s Disease. She would do anything for anyone. She sewed dresses for orphans in Haiti. She tied fleece blankets for Project Linus. She was a fierce competitor—in her younger years she played competitive softball, and in her later years she loved the games of Canasta, Farkel, Skip Bo and Phase 10. She was once crowned “Farkel” Queen, for an unbelievable roll of 6 sixes!
Burial will take place on December 22, 2020 at DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, TX.
A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:
Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas Chapter
2630 West Freeway, Ste 100
Ft. Worth, TX 76102-7100
First Baptist Church Grand Prairie
Grief Share Ministry
950 Mayfield Rd.
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052
Project Linus National Headquarters
P.O. Box 1548
Belton, MO 64012-1108
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beanmasseyburge.com for the Gregory family.
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