Shirley Irene Hampton was born May 8, 1935 at Springfield Baptist Hospital in Springfield, MO. She was the daughter of James Franklin Hampton and Rebecca Rosana Kirby-Hampton, known as Frank and Rosa. Shirley went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 12, 2011. She had fought a valiant battle with cancer for many years, maintaining her independence and flair for life until 3 weeks before her death. She died at West Side Health Care in Springfield, MO.
Shirley attended Springfield Public Schools. She married Dale Grapes on December 26, 1958 and he preceded her in death in February 1986.
Also preceding Shirley in death, were her parents, two infant daughters, one in July 1959 and the second in July, 1961 and a brother, John Dwain Hampton on March 2, 1998.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Barbara Ann Carey and two nephews, Larry Dwain Carey and Ronald Lee Carey all of Springfield. Shirley loved Larry and Ron as her own. She is also survived by other nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Shirley was a long time member of Grace Nazarene Church in Springfield, MO. She was known for her optimism, faith and wit. Shirley was one of those rare people who could find humor in almost any situation. She will be sorely missed.
A funeral service will be Thursday, November 17th at 2:00 p.m. in Klingner-Cope Family Funeal Home, 1635 N. Benton, Springfield with interment to follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service staring at 1 p.m.