Shirley J. (Mayberry) Pope, of Leadington, entered into eternal rest on September 9, 2026, in Desloge, at the age of 90. She was born on November 29, 1935, in Flat River, Missouri, to Robert and Mary Lorene (Barton) Mayberry.

Shirley is survived by her loving children, daughter Barbara McMillian (David); son Gary Johnson (Cindy); son Dale Pope; her grandchildren, Amy McMillian- Parker (John), Jeremy McMillian (Leanna), Mandy Howard (Steven), Dr. Jamie Johnson, and William Pope; and her great-grandchildren, Lexi, Kimber, Kaden, Landon, and Ivy; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Lorene (Barton) Mayberry; stepmother, Emma Mayberry of Flat River, MO; husband, William Nelson Pope of Leadington, MO; two half-brothers, Constance (Connie) Mayberry of St. Ann, MO; Robert D. (Slim) Mayberry of Farmington, MO; two half-sisters, Irma Brewer of Farmington, MO; Vita Dick of Raleigh, NC; and one brother, Bobby Mayberry of Farmington, MO.

Born and raised in Flat River, Shirley remained deeply rooted in her faith, family, and community throughout her life. She graduated from Flat River High School and attended college before entering the workforce. She later became an associate manager at J.C. Penny, where she worked faithfully until her retirement. Shirley believed in serving others. She served her community as a member of the Board of Aldermen in Leadington, MO, and influenced many young girls through her years as a Girl Scout leader. She was a devoted member of Hurryville Free Will Baptist Church, where she served in several important roles, including Sunday School teacher, church clerk, and treasurer. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it shaped the way she lived, loved, served, and cared for others.

Shirley found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved listening to gospel music, watching old movies, attending church, shopping, working in her flowers, and attending to her fishpond. She loved animals and delighted in her collection of Santa Claus figures. She also treasured traveling and vacationing with her family, especially their trips to Branson.

Some of her family’s most cherished memories were created around Shirley’s kitchen table. After church on Sundays, her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren would gather at her home for Sunday dinner. Shirley prepared the entire meal-often a main dish, several sides, and always many desserts. It was much more than a meal; it was a weekly family tradition filled with love, conversation, laughter, and togetherness.

Her home was also a gathering place for Fourth of July celebrations, Easter egg hunts, and countless holiday meals. Shirley expressed her love through the food she prepared and the traditions she created. She especially enjoyed making holiday candy and always made sure everyone left with packages to take home. She also treasured going out to lunch with her friends and spending time with loved ones.

When her oldest granddaughter, Amy, was a young girl, she gave her grandmother the special name of “DeeDah”. The name stayed with her through the years and became a cherished reflection of the loving and irreplaceable place she held in the lives of her grandchildren and family.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she gave them far more than wonderful meals and happy celebrations. She gave them a lifetime of traditions, a strong example of faith, and the comforting knowledge that they would always have a place at her table and in her heart.

Although the family gatherings will never feel quite the same without her, Shirley’s love will remain present in every Sunday dinner, every holiday tradition, every family trip, and every treasured memory. Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, service, devotion, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as beloved Shirley, Mom, Grandma, and DeeDah.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Hurryville Free Will Baptist Church from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Rev. David McMillian and Dr. Desi Mayberry will officiate. Interment will follow at the Mayberry Cemetery in Avon, MO.  

Arrangements by Horton-Wampler Funeral Home.