Shirley Jean Nelson

Shirley was born in Trimble, Missouri to Ellis V. Sr., and Louanna (McMillian) Nelson on August 6, 1928.

She attended elementary school in Sunbright, Tennessee, her family would later move to Middletown, Kentucky for a short time before settling in Macon, Missouri where she attended Macon High School, graduating with the Class of 1946.

While growing up she enjoyed Taffy pulls, throwing horseshoes, playing croquet, swimming in the creek and pie parties.

In 1947, Shirley moved to Kansas City and started a career as an Office Manager with Caldwell, Downing, Noble, and Garrity Law Firm, later this firm would become Blackwell, Sanders, Matheny, Weary, and Lombardi Law Firm and after 47 years she retired in 1994.

She was a faithful servant to her Lord, and active member of Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

Shirley had such a calm about her with much patience and grace. She never had an unkind word about anyone and was full of compassion, kindness, and love of others. She lived her life to the fullest, justice, serenity, and faith. Family is love, loss cannot break it, death cannot steal it. Our love will live on forever with the memories of you. We are all very blessed to have had you in our lives. You will be forever missed. Until we meet again, sleep tight.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Ellis (Bud) V. Nelson, Jr.

Survivors include her niece and caretaker, Shari Cooper; great nephew, Joshua Cooper; niece, Terri (Randy) Nelson DeSha; and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 AM at White Chapel Funeral Home, (6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119). A visitation will be held Saturday from 10-11 AM at the funeral home. The committal services will occur at 3 PM Saturday in Woodlawn Cemetery, Cottonwood Ln, Macon, MO 63552.