Obituary for Shirley M. Smith
Mrs. Shirley M. Smith, age 87, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Heisinger Bluffs surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born November 12, 1935 in Iberia, Mo., the daughter of Joseph Arthur and Grace Anna (Munch) Morrow. Shirley met the love of her life, Fred C. Smith, at church and they were united in marriage on November 15, 1955 in Jefferson City. They shared 37 years together before his passing in May of 1993.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, she attended the Jefferson City Public Schools for much of her schooling but graduated from Fatima in 1953 after moving with her family to Westphalia.
Shirley dedicated her life to helping others in the medical profession. She served as a Medical Assistant and Office Manager at the Family Medical Center under Dr. Lawrence Giffen and Dr. Neal LaPointe. Prior to Dr. Giffen hiring her, she worked in Charles E. Still Hospital. She enjoyed serving her patients and building relationships with them outside of the office, especially when she made house calls. She was so passionate about caring for her patients. In the 1960s, Shirley helped start the State Osteopathic Association for Medical Assistants here in Missouri. After 38 years of service to the medical profession, she retired in 1994.
After her retirement, Shirley loved to travel, so much so, she worked part time at Midwest Travel. The views of Colorado and spending time in her condo in Branson are the places she cherished most. Her hobbies included watching basketball. She was a huge fan of the Mizzou Tigers and the L.A. Lakers. She was always doing something, whether it was her themed dinners, ladies’ luncheons, arrowhead hunting and camping on the Osage River, antiquing or shopping with her granddaughters.
Shirley was always very close to her family, spending every Sunday afternoon in the “country” (her parent’s farm in New Bloomfield.) There would be a big family meal, usually followed by a hike or a hayride, and then maybe a nap!
Her thirst for knowledge in history, being an avid reader and her beautiful poetry are just some of the things Shirley will be remembered for. Most importantly, she will be remembered for her kind, compassionate and giving nature that was carried back and forth throughout her home and work life.
Survivors include: her daughter, Dayna LaPointe (Neal) of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Alison Saucier (Nathan) and Meredith Bales (Dave), all of Kansas City, David LaPointe (Liz) of Columbia and Matthew LaPointe (Katie) of St. Peters, Mo.; ten great grandchildren, Garrett, Eva, Leyna, Cora, Colden, Evan, Calvin, Ellie, Emma, Miles; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Fred; siblings, Bonnie Lawson and her husband Dale, Morris Morrow, Joe Morrow and his wife Maxine, and Sarah Ethel Abbott and her husband Raymond.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023.
A Celebration of Life service for Shirley will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023 in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services and interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A webcast of Shirley’s service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday for friends that are not able to attend by going to the "photos and videos" tab of this page and clicking the webcasting.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Alzheimer's Association by mailing donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Shirley was born November 12, 1935 in Iberia, Mo., the daughter of Joseph Arthur and Grace Anna (Munch) Morrow. Shirley met the love of her life, Fred C. Smith, at church and they were united in marriage on November 15, 1955 in Jefferson City. They shared 37 years together before his passing in May of 1993.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, she attended the Jefferson City Public Schools for much of her schooling but graduated from Fatima in 1953 after moving with her family to Westphalia.
Shirley dedicated her life to helping others in the medical profession. She served as a Medical Assistant and Office Manager at the Family Medical Center under Dr. Lawrence Giffen and Dr. Neal LaPointe. Prior to Dr. Giffen hiring her, she worked in Charles E. Still Hospital. She enjoyed serving her patients and building relationships with them outside of the office, especially when she made house calls. She was so passionate about caring for her patients. In the 1960s, Shirley helped start the State Osteopathic Association for Medical Assistants here in Missouri. After 38 years of service to the medical profession, she retired in 1994.
After her retirement, Shirley loved to travel, so much so, she worked part time at Midwest Travel. The views of Colorado and spending time in her condo in Branson are the places she cherished most. Her hobbies included watching basketball. She was a huge fan of the Mizzou Tigers and the L.A. Lakers. She was always doing something, whether it was her themed dinners, ladies’ luncheons, arrowhead hunting and camping on the Osage River, antiquing or shopping with her granddaughters.
Shirley was always very close to her family, spending every Sunday afternoon in the “country” (her parent’s farm in New Bloomfield.) There would be a big family meal, usually followed by a hike or a hayride, and then maybe a nap!
Her thirst for knowledge in history, being an avid reader and her beautiful poetry are just some of the things Shirley will be remembered for. Most importantly, she will be remembered for her kind, compassionate and giving nature that was carried back and forth throughout her home and work life.
Survivors include: her daughter, Dayna LaPointe (Neal) of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Alison Saucier (Nathan) and Meredith Bales (Dave), all of Kansas City, David LaPointe (Liz) of Columbia and Matthew LaPointe (Katie) of St. Peters, Mo.; ten great grandchildren, Garrett, Eva, Leyna, Cora, Colden, Evan, Calvin, Ellie, Emma, Miles; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Fred; siblings, Bonnie Lawson and her husband Dale, Morris Morrow, Joe Morrow and his wife Maxine, and Sarah Ethel Abbott and her husband Raymond.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023.
A Celebration of Life service for Shirley will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023 in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services and interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A webcast of Shirley’s service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday for friends that are not able to attend by going to the "photos and videos" tab of this page and clicking the webcasting.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Alzheimer's Association by mailing donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.