Shirley Jean (Thomas) Whalen

Shirley Jean Whalen, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Shirley Whalen was born April 10, 1936, to Burnice and Hortense (Cozart) Thomas in Luxora, AR. She married Charles Whalen on April 6, 1963. They enjoyed 58 years together before Charles passed away in May 2021.

Shirley graduated from Qulin High School and worked at the garment factory before marriage and later worked at Myatt’s for several years. Upon marrying Charles, she served as an active-duty military spouse for 15 years, did volunteer work and was mother to two children, Leslie and Martin.

Shirley enjoyed reading, sewing, embroidery, gardening, growing flowers, also, cooking and canning vegetables. Shirley chopped/picked cotton as a teenager, although she was not terribly fond of the work.

Shirley is survived by daughter Leslie (Don) Russell of Odessa, TX, son Martin (Faith) Whalen, of Destin FL, and grandson James Russell, Norman, OK., siblings Jo Ann Plymale, William Thomas, Tina Johnson, Danny Thomas, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Shirley was preceded in death by husband Charles, and three brothers, JB, Jack, and James, and grandson, Samuel Russell.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 11:00-12:00PM at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral service to follow, beginning at noon with Pastor Brandon Spain officiating. Burial will take place at Kearbey Chapel Cemetery in Butler County, Missouri.