Shirley J. Ealum

Shirley was born to the late Carl and Selma Bell Shelby on October 11, 1938. She attended Lincoln School in Evansville. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and trusted in his plan throughout her life. At an early age Shirley began to fulfill her purpose on this earth by becoming a caretaker for those in need, and that role continued throughout her life no matter the situation she was there with loving arms and helping hands. Shirley enjoyed cooking, gardening, apple picking, and most of all being the glue that held her family together. She loved her family immensely. She had a heart of gold and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. To know her was to simply love her!

In addition to her parents and thirteen siblings, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Donald Ealum and granddaughter, Jo’Neisha Ealum.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years Arthur Ealum, Sr. Children: Danny (Tamara) Ealum, Angela Stewart, Arthur (Misty) Ealum, Jr., and Terry (Debra) Ealum; Grandchildren: Danille Ealum, Anya (Hurley) Thomas, Asha Baker, JarDan Ealum, Jo’Kiah (Deon) Ealum, Joseph (Abbie) Ealum, Donovan Ealum, Montrell Ealum, Dante Ealum, Shi’Randa Ealum, Terry Ealum, Jr., DeAndre Ealum, Jasmine Coit, Tu’Nesha (Jerid) Woods, La’Kesha (Logan) Abell, Tony Meriwether, Kesha Meriwether, and Jerome Meriwether. 46 Great-Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, a special friend Elizabeth Parker, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the six east unit nursing staff at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital & Heart to Heart Hospice in the final days of her care.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, with Rev. Dr. Carrie Terry officiating. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.