Shirley Ann Napier (Seymour)'s Obituary
Shirley Napier, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister peacefully departed this life surrounded by loved ones early Tuesday morning, November 19, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She was seventy-four years, four months and fourteen days of age, but still a child at heart.
One of eight children, she was born Shirley Ann Easley on July 5, 1945, to Charles and Wilda “Billie” (Johns) Easley, in rural Pee Wee, just outside of Seymour, Missouri. Shirley attended Seymour schools and was a member of First Baptist Church of Seymour. She was baptized at the age of eight. On December 15, 1961, Shirley wed Billy Dean Napier who she had met at the Owen Theatre and to this union four children were born. The Napier’s made their home in rural Wright County. Shirley was a dedicated homemaker, but also worked outside the home. For a time, she and Bill worked together at York Casket in Marshfield, Missouri. She later worked at Emerson in Ava, Missouri. Shirley was famous for being a yard sale queen who never passed one up. She loved to haggle and barter for trinkets and treasures, and not just at yard sales. Her expertise in “negotiating” the lowest price wasn’t just limited to yard sales; she’d been known to work ‘em down at the local dollar store. Grandkids and great-grandkids knew that when grandma pulled up and honked her horn she needed help unloading toys of all kinds, tons of baby clothes, and whatever else she thought she needed. She truly enjoyed collecting jewelry, especially earrings and rings. Shirley wanted to be sure each of her granddaughters would have a ring from her. When she could find the time, she liked to fish and she liked to bake coconut cream pies. She’d have to make three different “custom” pies to accommodate various requests of the grandkids, like leaving out the coconut or crust. All of these things were done while taking care of her “heathen” grandkids – her exact words. These were sincere terms of endearment for the family she loved more than anything, and they always knew it. She had a special relationship with each grandchild. Her many years of fun and laughter have made so many happy memories for them to treasure. Gone before her are her parents, brother, Gene Easley, sister, Bonnie Vance, and a granddaughter, Casey Marie Napier. Shirley leaves behind her devoted and loving husband, Billy Dean, with whom she shared 58 wonderful years; three sons, Mike Napier of Mansfield, Missouri, Tom and Shelia Napier, and Tony and Tammy Napier – all of Hartville, Missouri, and a daughter, Shelley and Darren Freeman of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Michelle & Jasper Cantrell, Melissa Sampson & Dalton Fishel, Neithan Napier & Carla Hicks, Kyle & Doni Napier, Nick & Cindy Napier, Ethen & Christina Napier, Rusty & Nina Epperly, and William Epperly, and fifteen great-grandchildren Emily, Sidney, Ty, Brody, Kelly, Hunter, Hoyt, Wyatt, Caitlynn, Dalton, Chloe, Zoe, Easton, Weston, Brayden; three brothers, Harold Easley, Bob and Joann Easley, and Ronnie and Francie Johns – all of Fordland, Missouri, and two sisters, Jerry Morse of Springfield, Missouri, and Connie Terril of Fordland.
A memorial has been established to the Liberty Cemetery and may be left at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
