Paula Shirley

(From Parker Mortuary)

Paula Lea Shirley, age 71, passed away Monday, August 2, 2021, at Freeman West in Joplin.

Paula was born December 29, 1949, to the late Paul “Wally” and Wilma (Reynolds) Holmes. After graduating from Wyandotte (OK) High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science with emphasis in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). 

On February 5, 1972, Paula was united in marriage to Allen Shirley. Together they shared 49 years of marriage before her passing and had one daughter, Rachel (Shirley) Abbott - her best friend.

Paula spent about 20 years volunteering and then working at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Joplin and was currently working at MSSU’s Residence Life Department in the Student Life Center (20 years). She loved people, and people of all generations loved her. She will be sorely missed.

Paula was preceded in death by her sister Stephanie (Holmes) Myles and her “other mother” (Wilma’s bestfriend) Lillian (Larison) Williams.

Survivors include her husband Allen, her daughter Rachel, her beloved daughter-in-law Carla Abbott, several nieces and nephews (including Mendi Jones, with whom she was very close), a few cousins, what seems like a million friends, and a group from the Class of ‘95 “girls” who considered her their second Mom.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary. Celebration of Life details will be determined and shared at a later time.