Shirley began this life on November 14, 1935, in Marietta the daughter of Edgar and Odessa (Neal) Tate. Her love of family and her Christian faith was the focus of her life. She was a Sunday School teacher for many years and sang in the church choir. She is a member of Tabernacle Baptist in Roanoke, Texas. Music was an important part of her life. She loved to sing and dance. As a child she loved tap dancing and managed to teach herself a few steps. Shirley enjoyed traveling; Colorado and Disney World were amongst some of her favorite destinations.

And whether she was traveling or just out and about for the day, she loved to eat out with family and friends. Shirley will be remembered for her infectious smile that she seemed to always have on display. That warm calming smile may have been part of the reason she was such a kid magnet. Children loved her and she loved spending time with children, especially her own children and grandchildren. One thing was for sure, Shirley's Bibles were very important. Not only did she read and study them, but she also stored important family records in them. Her Christian testimony is legendary throughout her family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and OdessaTate; first husband and father of her children, Harvey H. Kirk; second husband, George Eyster; sisters, Iona Skidmore, Sue Whittington, and Beverly Carmon; brothers, Robert Tate, Johnny Tate, Billy Don Tate, Kenny Tate, and Dale Tate.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Cecil Kirk and wife Cheryl of Denton, TX and Brad Kirk of Madill, OK; daughters, Debbie Smith and husband Don of Justin, TX and Jennifer McLeod and husband Alan of Denton TX; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and sisters, Joan Shaffer and Cindy Freeman.

Casket bearers will be Don Smith, Paul Shaffer, Brock Eppler, Josh Eppler, Blaine Tate, Trevor Eppler and Roger Whittington.