Shirley was born on May 23, 1959, to the late Elmo Sr. and Hattie Bell Shorter. She attended Wilmar High School and graduated in 1977. After high school, she relocated to Waukegan, Illinois, where she lived and worked for many years at Sara Lee Corp. and AbbVie, Inc.
In 2019, Shirley retired and moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth metro-area to be closer to her mother. She often joked about trading extreme cold for extreme heat - and despite the Texas summers, she always preferred the warmer climate. She faithfully attended church at Victory Life Church, Corinth, Texas. Shirley peacefully departed this life on July 27th, 2025, at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Elmo Sr. and Hattie Shorter.
She leaves behind cherished memories with her sister, Sharon Y. Shorter; five brothers, Walter (Francine) Givens, Lonnie Givens, Thomas Shorter, Gary (Odessa) Shorter, and Elmo Jr. (Wendy) Shorter; and stepsister, Carolyn Matlock. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A special bond was shared with her step-niece and dear friend, Mrs. Phyllis Bennett. Shirley also leaves behind many relatives, friends and church members who will remember her kindness, humor, and loving spirit.
There will be a wake Friday, August 8, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Shady Grove A.M.E. Church in Wilmar, Arkansas. Burial will follow in Wilmar Cemetery. You can sign Shirley's guestbook here on her page.
Condolences(7)
Christopher and Phyllis Bennett
Lake Villa, IL Saturday, August 9, 2025 To: The Shorter and Givens Family,Christopher and I were so saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies. May the Lord Almighty grant her rest.
Love,
Christopher and Phyllis
Daphne Askew
Cedar Hill, TX Friday, August 8, 2025 Sending prayers and condolences from the Brooks and Nelson Family. We love you .Dion and Debra McCarthy
South Holland, IL Friday, August 8, 2025 We offer our condolences and are praying for your family for the loss of your loved one. May God strengthen you during this time.Sincerely, Dr. Dion and Debra McCarthy
Reginald and Sharon Brooks
Midlothian, TX Friday, August 8, 2025 We pray that you find comfort in the fond memories, joyous occasions and amazing times you shared with Shirley. May she rest in Eternal Peace.Annette Taylor
Park City, IL Friday, August 8, 2025 Sending my sincere Condolences and Prayers to the entire family of Shirley Shorter.May God strengthen and comfort each and every one of you in your time of Bereavement.It was definitely a blessing to have her in my life .She will be missed and may she continues to rest in peace 🌹Annette Taylor and Family
Mrs. Kenji Kuykendall
Beach Park, IL Friday, August 8, 2025 Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Shirley. May God comfort you during this difficult time — Andre & Kenji KuykendallJanice Sanders
Manassas, VA Wednesday, August 6, 2025 My Condolences to Shorter family.