Shirley A. Smith

Shirley A. Smith of Kalamazoo was born in Houston on Feb 25, 1935. She graduated from Graceland University where she met her husband Herb. They both continued their education at the University of Houston. Shirley earned a B.A. in education and was a substitute teacher at Houston Public Schools then chose to be a stay-at-home mom for her three children.

Shirley was a lifetime member of the Community of Christ Church. She participated in the WMU Faculty Dames and the Kalamazoo Garden Club. She enjoyed her years and classes with Bible Study Fellowship and volunteered at BSF headquarters in San Antonio. Shirley and Herb oversaw the basketball program for 15 years at the church sponsored youth camp Spectacular, held at Graceland University. Shirley enjoyed working at Jacobson's children's department and volunteered at the Friendship Village store then for many years at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. She also led efforts at her congregation making hundreds of sleeping bags for children at local shelters. Shirley was especially known for her gifts of chocolate chip cookies.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Herbert L. Smith, children Robert (Anne) Smith, Karen (Keith) Chappelow, and David Smith, 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, sister Dana Walsh and her daughters Stacey and Kristi Young, brother-in-law Roger (Pam) Smith, sister-in-law Sharon Smith, and many nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Kalamazoo Community of Christ Church at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in her memory, please make donations to Community of Christ, Attn: Spectacular Memorial Contributions, 1001 W. Walnut, Independence MO 64050.