Shirley Jean Mitchell, of Richland, formerly of Crocker, was born on March 17, 1929, at Crocker, a daughter of Hugh Wesley and Clara Elizabeth (Pilcher) Sharp and departed this life at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017 in the Richland Care Center. Mrs. Mitchell had attained the age of 87 years 10 months, and 8 days.

As a young woman, Shirley made a very important decision in her life and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, she was baptized in 1937 and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Crocker for 79 years. She was a graduate of the Crocker R-2 Schools and it was at that time that she met a handsome young man by the name of Jim Mitchell. They became high school sweethearts and were united in marriage on December 20, 1947 in Crocker. Shirley and Jim shared almost 68 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons: Jimmy and Gary.

In addition to being a member of the First Baptist Church, Shirley was a member of the Rebecca Lodge No 21, Crocker. Politics became a family affair and Shirley was an active member of the Pulaski County Republican Women's Club. She enjoyed singing, dancing, playing golf and had a great passion for her family. Shirley always made family gatherings "SPECIAL" and those fond memories are shared by four generations. She was a housewife and homemaker and once her boys were in high school, she became involved in the family business "Sharp's Grain and Supply Company", Crocker, where she worked until her retirement. Shirley will be sadly missed but fondly remembered as a devoted mother and a good friend to many.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory, two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jim "Jimmy" and Terri Mitchell, Richland and Gary Mitchell, Osage Beach; two grandchildren, Mona and her husband, Adam Shaw, Richland and Levi and wife, Cecily Mitchell, Springfield; four great-grandchildren, Brayden Burd, Gavin Shaw, Grace Mitchell and Max Mitchell; and many other relatives and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Jim on July 4, 2015; her parents, Hugh and Clara Sharp; and two brothers, Joseph Estill Sharp on January 15, 1988 and John Emerald Sharp on June 10, 2009.

Family and friends celebrated Shirley's life at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 29, 2017, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker, with Pastor Bev Sharp, Kenner Church of God, Dixon, officiating. Musical selections of "Amazing Grace" and "Red Wing" were played for the service by Renita Demalade.

Interment was in the Crocker Cemetery next to her beloved husband, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Shirley were Larry Sharp, Lynn Sharp, Ronnie Skaggs, Tim Hardesty, Randy Penland and Ron Ferguson. Honorary pallbearers were Barbara Helms, Bud Newcomb, Helen Boren and John Wilkerson.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Shirley Mitchell to the Crocker R-2 School, P.O. Box 488, Crocker, MO 65452 or envelopes are available at the funeral home.