Shirley A Thompson

Shirley A. ìBunsieî Thompson was born November 10, 1935 in rural Osage County, near Boston Pool. She was the daughter of Herbert C. and Cora Bell (Johnson) Garrett. Shirley was raised and received her early education in the Boston Pool School and later began attending grade school in Cleveland. Shirley was active in Cleveland High School where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen; graduating with the Class of 1954. During her fourth grade year in school, Shirley met the love of her life, Charles Thompson. The couple remained sweethearts throughout their school years and were married on September 5, 1954, shortly after graduating high school and within a few days of Charles eighteenth birthday. The couple has made their home in Cleveland throughout their fifty-seven years of marriage and have both been lifelong Cleveland area residents. Shirley began her working career working behind the soda counter at the Cleveland Rexall Drug while still in high school. After graduation, she was working as a clerk at the C. R. Anthony store when Charles and Shirley were married. Shirley later accepted employment as a teller at the Cleveland Bank for several years before accepting employment with Saint Frances Home Health. After a lengthy employment with Saint Francis Home Heath, Shirley began working for Moore Healthcare, next to the Palace Drug Store where she later retired. During the early years of their marriage Charles and Shirley never missed a Cleveland Tiger Football game but with the birth of their two daughters, Sammie Shawn and Debbie Jo. Shirley has been a long time member of the First Baptist Church where she assisted with the sponsorship and cooking for the youthís annual trips to Falls Creek for many years. Additionally, she was an active member of the church choir. Shirley spent countless hours organizing and assisting with the Cleveland High School Class of 1954 reunions. Red and Gold ran deep in her veins and she was a proud member of the Cleveland High School Alumni Association. She kept her classmates in touch with all activities of her class and talking to a former classmate would make her day. Shirley was an immaculate homemaker, insisting on everything being in its proper place and clean. She ironed nearly everything including Charlesí undershirts. Managing the affairs of the home for her husband, children and grandchildren was extremely important to Shirley. She was an excellent cook and was famous for her fried chicken, cabbage rolls, tabouli, biscuits and gravy. Her daughters knew that they were in trouble when Shirley shared one of her famous quotes with them, ìIím telling you girls one thing, just wait until your daddy gets home.î Shirley was described by her family and friends as a selfless devoted Christian lady who always placed the needs of others above her own. Her tireless efforts in helping people in need, always with a smile on her face, are a beautiful example of her Christian faith and her Christ-like love for those around her. Her jovial, funny and compassionate nature is the legacy she has gifted her family and friends. She loved the outdoors and spent countless hours in her yard keeping it beautiful with flowers and plants. She will be remembered in hearts forever. Shirley was serenaded by angels as she left her earthly home for the place prepared for her by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, July 1, 2011. She departed sharing this thought, ìAnd when itís time for you to goÖ.from that body to be free, remember youíre not goingÖ..youíre coming to me.î She is survived by her husband Charles Thompson and Bandit of the home; two daughters, Debbie Jo Thompson and Louis Bishop of Cleveland, Oklahoma and Sammie Shawn Bryant and Mark Brewer of Jenks, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Amy Castillo, Randy Bryant, Angi Stach and Tera Bryant; twelve great-grandchildren, Malia, Mariah, Milla, Trey, Kelbie, Destini, Jaidyn, Aspen, Dylan, Alyssa, Hadley and Jackson. Shirley was preceded in death by parents, Herbert C. Garrett and Cora Bell Myers; brother, Eugene Garrett and two sisters, Earlene Lawrence and Willa Dean Brumley.