Shirley Ann Slocum, 97, of Liberty, MO died on June 12, 2017 at her home in Addington Place of Shoal Creek, Kansas City, MO. Shirley was born on May 24, 1920 in Vermillion, SD. She graduated from University High School in 1937 and attended the University of South Dakota.
After the outbreak of World War II, Shirley married Marion George Slocum, her high school sweetheart, on December 24, 1942, before George headed off to basic and flight training in January, 1943. Following the war and George’s return home, Shirley managed their family household through a series of moves tied to George’s Air Force career: Del Rio, Texas; Rapid City, South Dakota; Sioux City, Iowa; Denver, Colorado; Anchorage, Alaska; Merced, California; Houston, Texas; and Lake Charles, Louisiana. After George retired from the Air Force in 1965, Shirley managed family moves to Boston, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, and Oklahoma City before settling into the Liberty community in 1969.
With relocations behind them, Shirley plunged into community affairs by engaging in a wide range of volunteer activities. Over nearly five decades, Shirley demonstrated selfless commitment and unflagging service to others in Kansas City through her significant voluntary contributions to the American Cancer Society, the Liberty Hospital Auxiliary, and Liberty Republican Women. Active involvement in her church activities was central in Shirley’s life. She contributed widely to activities of Saint James Lutheran Church in Kansas City and as a Charter member of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Liberty. In addition to a career in real estate, Shirley contributed to many charitable community organizations: the Eastern Star, Beauceant - a service organization associated with the Knights Templar that supports the Masonic Eye Foundation, Beta Sigma Phi - a social sorority to sponsor an inner-city family in need, the Salvation Army, the Clay County ‘Meals on Wheels’ program, and the ARC - an organization that supports the mentally challenged.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, George Slocum, and her youngest son, JR Slocum. She is survived by two children, Craig Slocum of Peabody, MA and Margie Clark of New York, NY; three grandsons, Jeffrey Slocum of Pierre SD, Lee Slocum of Groveland, MA and Christopher Clark of Seattle, WA; and four great-grandchildren, Joshua and Samuel Slocum of Pierre SD, and Sarah and Eliza Slocum of Groveland, MA.
Shirley lived a meaningful life centered on her Faith and her family, friends and community.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm, Friday, 23 June, 2017 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2800 North Church Road, Liberty MO. Visitation is from 2pm to 3pm. There is a reception afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hosanna Lutheran Church, Liberty, MO or to the United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset Ave, Liberty, MO 64068.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by White Chapel Funeral Home.
May 15, 2018
Dear Shirley's Family, I had lost track of Shirley. Didn't know she moved to Gladstone. I loved her so much! I worked with her at Chasteen. She was like another mother to me. I was raising 2 young boys and she gave me words of encouragement like "you are in for a rocky road with that one!" Please except my condolences and know she was loved by many. Debbie (VanBecelaere) Madison. Andy and Adam VanBecelaere (sons).
August 17, 2017
Connie McGuire
What a hoot this precious lady was! I moved back to Kansas City after losing my husband and thought about Shirley so many times..sorry I didn't spend time with her
before her passing. I was her Interior Decorator..and we had so much fun together
Connie McGuire
June 30, 2017
Dear Margie & Craig and family,
I am so deeply sorry to learn of the loss of your dear mother. I literally just learned today. Although I did not have the privilege to meet her, I did speak with Shirley many times over the years and knew her to be a lovely, kind & caring, charming lady. She had a great laugh! I enjoyed being a pen pal with her as well. She was so appreciative of the Nelson family update and helped me a lot with the Slocum's et al. She had so much fun retelling family stories! Visiting with you Margie & Ace in NYC was a joy and special treat which also helped us "know" Shirley and little bit more. Craig, e mailing with you over the years created a "window" as well in knowing Shirley and all of you. What a beautiful life she had and she touched so many! On behalf of myself and my siblings, I am sending you all our deepest sympathy. Love, Janet Murphy, Ruthie & Andrew Murphy, David and his wife Joanne.
June 27, 2017
Eric Griessel
So many memories of walking through the back yards to knock on the back door to see if Matt and Chris could come out while they were at Shirley & George's for the summer. She was always so kind and encouraging to me in my youth. Thank you for all the memories and the opportunity to call you a friend.
June 20, 2017
Lynda McClelland
May Shirley continue to soar forward!
Condolences to the family.
June 19, 2017
Patric and Teresa McCracken
Shirley was our real estate agent when we bought our first house in Liberty 42 years ago.
A great agent and wonderful person!
June 16, 2017
Janeen Bollhoefer
Shirley was a special lady that we all adored at Hosanna! She was a very special and kind lady and touched many that she came in contact with and will always be in our hearts. Thoughts and prayers are with the family, may you find comfort during this time.
Russ, Janeen & Kali Bollhoefer
June 15, 2017
Friend
Cathy and Bob Martin
So many fond memories of this lovely lady will always keep her in our hearts.
June 14, 2017
Friend
Marge Hoffman
Shirley was a special lady loved by many. As a Care Giver she gave me soon joy, laughter. Shirley touched my life in so many was it was a great privilege to care for this wonderful lady.
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