Grandma Shirley

Saturday while I was shopping, Shawn called to tell me that grandma had just had a serious stroke. He went right up to the hospital, and when I got home, we all went up. After about an hour, we took the kids home and then Shawn and I went back to sit with grandma and all of the other family members around here until 10:00 that night. I wish that we could have been there when she passed away - it just seems like you should be surrounded by those you love and who love you when you leave this life. She passed away around 3:00 in the morning. She was the neatest woman and such an inspiration to me in my life in so many ways, particularly of someone who never complained and who was always kind in what she said to, and about others. It's going to be a hard adjustment to not have her here anymore - we usually saw her at least every Sunday, and usually even more often than that. It's a Gee family tradition to meet on Sundays at grandma's house and catch up and visit with each other, and she always had yummy treats for everyone.

Grandma Shirley's Obituary

Verna Shirley

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Verna Browning Shirley, 89, passed away peacefully at Madison Memorial Hospital Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, from a stroke.
She was born July 1, 1922, in Lewisville to Archie William and Neona Kinghorn Browning.
She always felt blessed to go through life with her twin sister and best friend, Verla (Clark). She also had an older brother, Archie Basil, and two younger brothers, Darwin and Jerry. She grew up in Annis and attended Midway High School.
All of the family helped on the farm, and she and Verla also learned homemaking skills as they helped their mother keep house.
Verna and Verla sang together on many programs as they were growing up.
Verna met Gordon Shirley from Salem at Riverside Gardens, the popular teen dance spot of the day. They married on Sept. 18, 1942, in the Salt Lake Temple. Three months later, Gordon was drafted into the army. He spent the next three years serving his country while Verna worked and waited at home, writing daily letters.
When World War II ended, Gordon returned and they settled near Rexburg to begin their life together. Gordon was a fine builder and Verna cared for their family. Five children were born to them: Marilyn, Linda, Ann, Lyle Gordon and Joyce.
Verna was a superb homemaker, and kept an immaculate house, sewed for her little girls and cooked delicious meals. She worked hard to create a beautiful yard that all who passed by could enjoy. She loved flowers! She also enjoyed music and sang with several groups over the years.
Life was good, but there were challenges to face. Many saw her and Gordon as examples of faith and fortitude as they cared for their youngest child, who required help for every need for 36 years. They also helped care for Ann, who contracted multiple sclerosis as a young adult. Her greatest sorrow was when Gordon passed away in June 2010.
During her life, Verna served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary, Young Women and Relief Society.
She enjoyed shopping, gardening, visiting with Verla every day, Lawrence Welk, family gatherings and supporting children and grandchildren in their activities.
She was a kind and gentle woman who gave the best she had in everything she did.
She is survived by her children, Marilyn (James) Gee of Sugar City, Linda Shirley of Provo, Utah, and Lyle Gordon (Laurelyn) Shirley of Boxborough, Mass.; as well as 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; her twin sister, Verla Clark of Rexburg; and a brother, Jerry V. (Karen) Browning of St. Anthony.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; daughters, Ann and Joyce; her parents; and two brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at the Stonebridge LDS chapel with Bishop Dan Hanna officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.