|
| |
Shirley Snipes © Enid News and Eagle 04-09-2018 Submitted by: Glenn
|
Shirley Snipes, 92, slipped away to her Heavenly home on Saturday April 7, 2018.
She was born in Wellington, KS to Ivan Joe Shire and Aileen Gail (Palmer) Shire. Shirley was one of 9 children and growing up she and her siblings learned to share. Her generous nature grew from being raised in such a large family and that was such a big part of who she was.
Shirley was raised in the Jefferson, Medford and Enid areas and graduated from Medford High School in 1943. She continued her education at the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing in Oklahoma City, where she received her R. N. in 1946. She spent the 1947-1948 school year at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) further satisfying her life-long love of learning.
Her nickname while in Nursing School was "Peewee" because of her tiny frame. Although Shirley was a small lady she had a big heart and made up for her lack of height with her constant love and generosity. Her sweet-spirited nature caught the attention of a medical student by the name of Forrest W. Olson, Sr. (Woody) and the two became husband and wife on Sept. 11, 1948, as he began his internship at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, IL. Shirley and Woody were blessed with 4 children, Forrest Jr., Eric, Nancy & Dianne. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She created a warm and loving environment for her family which taught them faith, hope, kindness and integrity.
Shirley and her family were all very actively involved with First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City and their family was often attending or helping with a function or event at the church. Shirley was a member of the Women's Missionary Union through the church, served as Sunday school teacher and Department director for several years, and was a key supporter of the Good Shepherd ministry at First Baptist.
Anyone that knew Shirley was aware that she was a committed Republican and was involved with many political activities over the years supporting many local, state and federal individuals and campaigns. She was an original Bellmon Belle.
Shirley also had a very generous heart for many charitable organizations and a penchant for supporting almost anything that she felt was a worthy cause ... and her scope was broad on that subject. For many years Shirley served Oklahoma County Medical Auxiliary in a number of capacities, and participated in projects ranging from adult literacy to polio vaccination clinics. Shirley enjoyed travel, learning new things and meeting new people.
In January of 1991, Shirley lost her husband, Woody, after 42 years. She spent many years as a widow, continuing with her church and civic work, and enjoying her grandchildren. She and long-time family friend, Al Snipes, who had also lost his spouse, grew close and their relationship blossomed as time passed. The two were married in 2001 and enjoyed 16 years together, sharing interests in their families, church, social and political activities, until Al's passing in December 2017, just two days after Shirley's 92nd birthday.
Shirley will always be remembered for her concern for others, sweet smile, and love for the Lord. This little lady made an enormous impact in so many lives, organizations & clubs and although she is no longer on this earth her legacy and memory will live on for eternity.
Shirley was preceded in death by parents, Ivan and Aileen Shire; husband of 42 years, Dr. Forrest W. Olson; husband of 16 years, Alfred M. Snipes; brothers, Joe, Loren & Ron Shire; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Olson.
Shirley is survived by her son, Forrest "Bo" W. Olson Jr. and wife Pam; son, Eric Olson; daughter, Nancy Gregory & husband Tim; daughter, Dianne Renfro & husband Mike; brothers, Fred, Mike and Gail Shire; sisters, Beverly Taylor and Karen Frederick; grandchildren, Ashley Davis and husband Jay, Trey Olson and wife Kelly, Meredith Renfro, Nik and Scott Palesano, Kyle and Jessica Gregory; great-grandchildren, Jackson & Quinn Davis, Abigail & Colin Olson, Cannon Palesano; as well as numerous extended family and countless loving friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City.
Visitation will be 4-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home with the family present 6-8 PM. A memorial service will be held 11 AM Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, 1201 N. Robinson. Private family entombment will be held at Resthaven Cemetery. Friends may leave condolences for the family at vondelsmithmortuary.com. Services are under the direction of Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary, 4000 SW 119th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73173; phone (405) 692-5503.
|Resthaven Cemetery| |Kay County Cemetery Page| |Home|
This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2024 Oklahoma CemeteriesThe information on this site is provided free for the purpose of researching your genealogy. This material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for your own research, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The information contained in this site may not be copied to any other site without written "snail-mail" permission. If you wish to have a copy of a donor's material, you must have their permission. All information found on these pages is under copyright of Oklahoma Cemeteries. This is to protect any and all information donated. The original submitter or source of the information will retain their copyright. Unless otherwise stated, any donated material is given to Oklahoma Cemeteries to make it available online. This material will always be available at no cost, it will always remain free to the researcher.