Shirley Elizabeth Carson

Shirley Elizabeth Carson passed away on August 15, 2010 at the age of 86 in Parkview Healthcare Facility in Bolivar after an extended illness. Shirley was born on February 22, 1924 in Bolivar, Missouri, the third of seven children of Hobart Charles Spurgeon and Clara Nena (Price) Spurgeon. She was a lifelong resident of Bolivar, growing up during the Depression, graduating from Bolivar High School in 1942. Shirley worked in Baltimore, Maryland to support the war effort during World War II. Shirley was married to Johnnie R. Lee Carson in 1951 and they raised their four children in Bolivar. Shirley had a long career in county government. She was elected as Polk County Treasurer in the late 1960's and served as Deputy County Clerk of Polk County for many years in the 1960's through the 1980's, until her retirement. Shirley was baptized in First Baptist Church of Bolivar as a child, remaining a longtime member for almost 80 years. She was active in Christian service all of her life, including Womens Missionary Union, Golston Group, Sunday School teacher, and several church committees through the years. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband Johnnie R. Lee Carson, sister Dixie Emberton, brother David Spurgeon, infant brother Price Spurgeon, daughter Christie Hanan, and son Johnnie R. Lee Carson II. Shirley is survived by daughter Carla Parker and husband Rich of Desoto, Kansas, daughter Jeannie Jones of Bolivar, grandson Army Sergeant Cecil Parker and wife Heather of Manhattan, Kansas, granddaughter Andrina Law and husband Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Aaron of Norfolk, Virginia, granddaughter Mary Beth Jones of Bolivar, great-granddaughter Isabella Parker of Manhattan, Kansas, great-grandson Andrew Law and great-granddaughter Niah Law of Norfolk, Virginia, sister AnnaBelle Leith of Bolivar, sister Ruthe Wommack of Bolivar, brother Harlan Spurgeon of Springfield, Missouri, sister-in-law Alcy Larkey of Harrisonville, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm, Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri with Reverend Billy E. Russell and Dr. Harlan E. Spurgeon officiating. Musical selections will be, "Amazing Grace", " I Am Thine, O Lord", and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" sung by Brad Wommack with Rose Roweton as the pianist. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Pallbearers will be Jerry Carson, Jim Carson, Terry Leith, Kelly Leith, Brad Wommack, and Rich Parker. Visitation will be from 5-6pm, on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorial contributions in memory of Shirley Carson be made to the First Baptist Church, 316 N. Main Avenue, Bolivar, Missouri 65613. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com. PDF Printable Version

Shirley Elizabeth Carson

February 22, 1924 - August 15, 2010