Shirley Irene Caldwell was born January 1, 1933 to Orrien Drewry and Carroll (Brainard) Drewry in Olympia, Washington. Shirley passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, having lived all of her 91 years in Thurston County. She was the first baby born in Thurston County on New Year’s Day 1933 and grew up on the family farm in Evergreen Valley. Shirley attended Eaton Creek School, and graduated in the first graduating class from Yelm High School at the age of 16. After graduation, Shirley started working at Talcott’s Jewelry in Olympia. She then met Jim Caldwell of Olympia and the two wed in February 1957. Around that time, Shirley started her career with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. There, for most of her 30 years with OSPI, she was in charge of certifying the State’s vocational education teachers. Throughout her life, Shirley devoted herself to being the best wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, and friend. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, camping, berry picking, clam digging, and spending time at their beach house in Ocean Shores. Shirley always displayed her strength, generosity, class, and compassion to all she encountered. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband (Jim in 1986), her parents, and siblings Harvey Drewry (Beverly) and Norma Jones (Tom). She is survived by children Kay Caldwell of Lacey and Jeff Caldwell (Zelda) of Columbia City, Oregon; grandchildren Kambria Dumesnil (Ray), Kara Gregory (Christian), and James Caldwell (Victoria); step-grandchildren Alexis Martin, Dominique Martin, and Jasmine Rose; six great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Mills and Mills Chapel, 5725 Littlerock Rd. SW, Tumwater with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30. A brief graveside service will be held at noon with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Lewis County Autism Coalition. See the link below to donate.
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