Shirley Harpole

Shirley Sue Harpole was welcomed to heaven by God, her beloved husband, John and all her family and friends who’ve gone before her. She passed away October 5, 2020. She was born August 13, 1937 to the late Willie Edward and Maefoi Martin Baty of Scooba, Mississippi. It was in her senior year of high school that she met her future husband, the love of her life, and nurtured an abiding devotion over the 65 years they were married. In their early years as a couple, they lived in Anaheim, California until a longing to return South brought them back to small town Scooba, Mississippi. There they lived, raised their family and were part of a caring community we now refer to as the “village” needed to raise children. She was a person who held God in her heart always, a beautiful wife and mother, gifted homemaker, cook, gardener, birder and active volunteer in her children’s schools, church and community. It was when her children were in high school that she pursued training at East Mississippi Junior College, later became the town clerk and marshal, and served her community through grant writing for housing development and other community needs. She was often sought after for advice when anyone needed a good ear, discretion and sound counsel. Described by her family and friends as gracious, generous and kind, her natural warmth made people feel welcome and that they belonged. She had a gift that brought out the best in everyone around her. She and John were always at their children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s ballgames, plays and programs. She [SH1] loved her family fiercely and made each member feel her deep love in a unique way as she encouraged them that they could do anything with hard work and determination, while honoring God in their choices. Her favorite place was the front porch in a rocker with a baby in arms, family all around playing and sharing stories. Shirley Sue leaves behind her daughter Sue (Susie) Harpole and son-in-law Nelson Strother and their daughter Virginia Strother of Memphis, Tennessee; her son John (Johnny) Harpole, Jr. and daughter-in-law Emily Harpole of Scooba, Mississippi and Johnny’s children Amanda Harpole Snowden and her husband Devin Snowden and their children Grey and Giles of Meridian, Mississippi, Jessica Harpole and her husband Jake Hand and their children Colby and Carson of Caledonia, Mississippi and Samantha Harpole Moore and her husband Trenton Moore and their children Madison and Allison of Brandon, Mississippi. She leaves her sisters Betty Graham of DeKalb, Mississippi and Faye Suttle of Louisville, Mississippi. Also, she leaves sister-in-law Nancy Baty of Gulfport, Mississippi, sister-in-law Alice Faye Nault and brother-in-law Don Nault of Birmingham, Alabama, brother-in-law Woodrow Wilson Harpole, Jr. of Corona, California, brother-in-law Tom Harpole and sister-in-law Gayle of Anza, California, and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Given the current circumstances, a private ceremony will be held at graveside. The family asks that you honor Shirley Sue by being a blessing in someone’s life today, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Honors and Memorials Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or by going to st.jude.org/memorials where a named fund has been created in her honor. I hold you in my heart for we have shared together God’s blessings. Philippians 1:7. [SH1]

Friends may view the online register at www.stephensfunerals.com



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