Shirley Stephenson

Shirley Stephenson    December 23, 1926         June 16, 2023

Shirley was born on December 23, 1926 to Kenneth and Minnie Strahan, at home as was customary, in Roxana, IL. Her wonderful siblings were Larry, Beverly and Dale Strahan. Their father tragically passed away early in their lives, and so the four children were raised by their mother alone, who worked numerous jobs to support them, and loved them with all of her heart. Each of the Strahan children were warm and caring people, whose families remained close their whole lives, as has our own immediate family, a tribute to Minnie’s influence.
Shirley attained her R.N. and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, specializing in Neonatal and Postpartum care for new mothers. In 1950, she married charming Mechanical Engineer George F. (Fred) Stephenson. They spent 65 years together prior to his passing in 2015, and raised four daughters, beginning with unexpected twins Jan and Diane (John), followed by Lori (Jim) and Terri (Bill). Grandsons Jake (Rachel), Jim (Kristen), Joe (Autumn) and Michael(Katie) followed, and recently, two great-grandsons, Rex and Eli. Shirley was a deeply caring, devout woman who spent her life thinking of others. She surrounded herself with family and a few close friends, which is where she felt most comfortable and loved. A lifelong servant of her Lord, she felt the call to witness, and did so frequently and enthusiastically. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all adored her.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on June 27 th , at Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, 8749
Watson Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119. The funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM,
followed by internment at nearby St. Paul’s Churchyard. Friends and family are invited to
attend a light lunch at the church, immediately following the burial.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Pet Guardians, using the following link:
https://givebutter.com/gpgmemorial