A seventeenth century poet wrote “Ere yet, as I descend to the grave, may I have a small house and a large garden home; and a few friends and many books. Both true, both wise and delightful too”. So, she lived as an adherent to that simple and satisfying life style in her later years while being attended by her faithful and caring St. Luke’s family, neighbors and loving caregivers.

Shirley, age 90, began life in 1935 on a farm near Forest, Mississippi, the only child of Macon and Ludy Judge Patrick. The family moved to Brandon in 1949 where she remained until death. She was the mother of four children, Dawn Daughdrill, Pat Howard (deceased), Wayne Howard and Lee Howard (deceased).

She was an active communicant of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church since 1957, sitting on the Vestry numerous terms. She retired from the Jackson Military Entrance Station in 1998, after serving in many administrative capacities. She was a tree farmer and an interior designer.

Some of her various interests were reading books of all genres; design in its many forms; her precious Calico cat; national politics and world events; studying diverse cultures and beliefs; metaphysics; family and friends; crossword puzzles; all while striving to live a life of gratitude. In 2023, at age 87, she pursued painting and initiated a school of art that she lovingly and aptly called “Crude-ism”.

In 2024, she received a back injury along with other old-age maladies, resulting in her becoming mostly restricted to her home. Attending to her needs were a number of notables who served her faithfully and caringly. They are Linda Henderson, Suzanne Ross, Susan Tutor, Brad Ware, Lee and Linda Howard Purvis, Judy and Dwayne Colburn, Ardean Alford, Brenda Collier, Mary Bennett, Glendora Horton and her team and Sharon Bray. The neighborhood Cat, Thomas, visited daily – bringing joy and love in his beautiful wake. Her love and profound appreciation to these will endure forever.

Shirley requested that memorial gifts be sent to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1899, Brandon, MS 39043; Doctors Without Borders, 40 Rector Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10003; or any Disaster Relief Fund of one’s choosing.

Requiem Eucharist will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 104 North College St. Brandon, MS on July 9th at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30. The committal of ashes will follow. A light meal and wine will be served following the services.