Shirley Padgett (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Shirley Margaret Padgett, age 91, died in Springfield, MO where she was living at The Maples with her husband Tom. She was born to Floyd and Julia Morris in Blue Springs, MO on December 12, 1930. She graduated from Blue Springs High School, Southwest Baptist College and Oklahoma Baptist University.
She married Tom in 1952 and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They lived in Oklahoma and Texas before moving to Missouri in 1960. They lived in Mountain View then moved to Bolivar where she lived until she went into care. She taught elementary school in Winona, Mountain View, Blue Springs and Bolivar and the remainder of her 27 years she taught primarily Science at Bolivar Middle School. She was much loved by her students and many consider her their favorite teacher. She took an interest in them, let them eat lunch in her room, and made each person feel important and special. She inspired many students to become teachers. She retired in 1987.
Shirley was very active at First Baptist Church in Bolivar. She taught children of all ages and college and young adult Sunday School for approximately thirty years. She enjoyed making home visits to church newcomers. She volunteered with the Exodus House ministries, Alpha House and participated in and served in leadership for the Women’s Missionary Union. She taught English as a Second Language in China and Russia and travelled all over the world with family and friends.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed playing tennis, finding interesting things in nature, and spending time cooking for and playing games with her family.
Shirley will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, sense of humor, her kindness and her servant’s heart.
Shirley is survived by her husband Tom, three daughters Julie Desroches (Rich), Becky House, Tamara Samek (Mike) 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a brother Bill Morris (Peggy).
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother Jesse Morris.
Funeral services and the viewing will be held Friday, July 22 at First Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. Viewing will start at 10:00 with the service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the FBC library and missions by denoting Padgett memorial or by following this link: https://fbcbolivar.churchcenter.com/giving/to/shirley-padgett-memorial
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Margaret Padgett please visit our Sympathy Store.
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?
