Jean Shirley Crandall

Shirley Crandall was born in Norman, Oklahoma, as Jean Shirley Gohde on June 30, 1930. The family moved several times during her childhood and ultimately ended up in Independence, Missouri. She married David Crandall on May 13, 1949, and together they had two children. Widowed at 44, Shirley raised the children, worked full-time, and sewed many pieces of clothing and projects, such as kitty-cat pillows. Her most important hobby has been playing the organ for church since she was 12 years old. Her greatest pleasure was volunteering to play on the Community of Christ Temple organ, where she also took organ lessons for many years. Shirley was a fiercely independent and strong woman. She rose to the challenges life gave her, always finding ways to help others and put a smile on their faces. Education was important, and her house was filled with Great Books, encyclopedias, and many other educational resources. Her daughter and son obtained doctorate and masters graduate degrees, and not to be outdone, Shirley studied hard and earned her own Associate's Degree at the age of 56. Her grandchildren were a source of tremendous joy, and at 60, Shirley retired to be full-time caretaker of her two granddaughters. She explored technology and started using an iPad in her eighties. Her favorite way to communicate with family and friends was through texting and Facebook, especially toward the end when she lost her hearing. She died on June 12, 2024. Her husband, brother, and parents all preceded Shirley in death. She will be sorely missed by her two children, Deanna Wise (Steven), Paul Crandall (Julie), and three grandchildren, Ryan Wise, Renee Crandall, and Katrina Crandall, foreign exchange grandchildren around the world, along with many other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.