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Shirley Ann Lavern (Johnston) James, age 77, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020, in her daughter’s home at Newkirk, Oklahoma. Shirley was first diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and faced her fight with courage, grace, and dignity and inspired and enriched the lives of all of those around her. She was a strong, caring, hard-working, and faithful woman. She was a dedicated friend, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, wife, employee, neighbor, and community servant. She had a big heart and never knew a stranger. She enjoyed her church, traveling, visiting, games, cooking, garage saling, pets, and time with her family. Her smile warmed many hearts and lives. She relied upon the message of Jesus holding her through the tough times.
She was born April 6, 1943, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Charles I. Johnston and Annabelle G. (Herren) Johnston. She grew up in Manhattan and graduated from high school in 1962. She retired from United Telephone/Sprint in 1997 and recently retired from the U.S. Postal system (2018). Her fellow employees admired her work ethic and warm-loving personality. She has been a member of the Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Independence, MO, since September 19, 1980.
She was preceded in death by Harold Leon (Bud) James, her husband of 31 years; father and mother; three sisters, Joyce, Charlotte, Verna; three brothers, Jimmy, Richard, Charles; step-son Kenny; great grandson, Jaxon and great-granddaughter, Auston Rose.
She is survived by her sister, Carolyn; brother, Tom; 6 children, Donald Acker and his wife, Diana, of Newalla, OK, Denice Scott and her husband, Beau, of Newkirk, OK, Russell Olesen of Centerview, MO, Theresa Babers of Girard, KS; Charlotte Sheward and her husband, John, of Pittsburg, KS, and Mike James of Girard, KS. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a host of long-time friends.
With the COVID-19, the family felt it prudent to offer two memorial services. They would love for you to come celebrate Shirley’s life at either location and practice any precautions you feel necessary.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1112 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. at Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, 608 South Lacy Road, Independence, MO 64050. The location of the second memorial requires wearing face masks. Please plan accordingly.
Memorial Donations in Shirley’s name may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601 . If you would like to send cards or well wishes to the family, send them in care of Denice Scott, 12900 North W Street, Newkirk, OK. 74647
The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Hospice of North Central, Ponca City, OK, for the attentiveness and loving care provided during her final days. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.
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