Shirley Scorse

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Shirley Ann Scorse passed away April 26, 2023 in Joplin, Missouri. Shirley was born August 19, 1930 in Rich Hill, MO. She was the daughter and only child of James (Denton) and Emily Poulson and was the beloved stepdaughter of Eddie J. Daniel after Emily remarried.

She spent most of her life in Webb City and was a Webb City Cardinal at heart. She graduated from Webb City High School in 1948 then attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles.

Shirley married Dr. Bill Scorse Jr. September 11, 1950. They spent 60 years together until his passing in 2010. During their union they welcomed four children: Ed, Sandy, John, and Bill. She ran a tight ship at home with tighter reins over her family.

She supported the family as Bill procured his degrees and afterwards, spending many years as the office administrator of Bill's practice. She supported many organizations but her favorites were being a member of the Southwest Missouri Dental Auxiliary and a member of Joplin YMCA (holding a Board position during her time serving). She loved cooking for family gatherings, taking numerous vacations,
tending to her garden, and fishing - when she wasn’t baiting hooks for Chris and Bill.

Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of ten. Her love for her family was the most important thing in the world to her. She had a zest for life and never met a stranger. Shirley was loving and caring. She led her life with grace, kindness, strength, determination, and above all dignity. She was a strong-willed, sassy lady who, with Bill, taught their children the value of hard work.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Dr. S.W. “Bill” Scorse Jr.; her parents James (Denton) Poulson, Emily Daniel, and Eddie J. Daniel; her in- laws Dr. Sid Scorse and Bea Scorse. 

She is survived by four children, Ed Scorse, Joplin, Dr. Sandra Scorse DeTar and husband Dr. David DeTar, rural Joplin, John Scorse and wife Jeanne, rural Joplin, Bill Scorse and wife Becky, Battlefield; six grandchildren, Chris Morey and husband Shannon, Sera Trewyn and husband Rollin, Elizabeth Harrison and husband Nate, Julie Gillam and husband Matt, Sidney Scorse IV, and Colby Scorse and wife Christa; ten great-grandchildren, Emily, Ren, and Cerise Harrison, Tucker, Kinsey, and Benjamin Morey, Leah, Lana, and Laura Trewyn, and Miles Gillam. Additional brother-in-law Daniel Scorse and wife Dr. Linda Shilling Scorse, rural Joplin, and sister-in-law Elizabeth “B’lou” Stone, Joplin.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd from 5:30-7pm at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin with services on Wednesday, May 3rd at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Joplin Humane Society or Joplin YMCA.

Special thanks to the Jayme and Jari from Charlotte’s Angels, the staff of College View Manor, and the Gentiva Hospice staff for their loving care of mom.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary.