Margaret Louise Downs Emerson Shirey

Mrs. Margaret Louise Downs Emerson Shirey, formerly of Hayti, Mo., joined a throng of angels Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, after a lengthy illness. She was a resident at River Oaks Care Center in Steele.

Mrs. Shirey was born to Edgar Haywood Downs and Beulah Gladys Lucy Feb. 7, 1920, in Leachville.

In addition to love for her family, one aspect of Mrs. Shirey's enjoyment came from her years of working as a telephone operator with the Southwestern Bell telephone office in Hayti. She worked there for nine years and boasted perfect attendance during her tenure while exemplifying an excellent work ethic. Once she married Dr. Shirey homemaking was her desire ensuring their home was always in perfect order. Dr. and Mrs. Shirey were charter members of the Calvary Baptist Church.

As well as her parents and special father, Felix Grundy Walton, Mrs. Shirey was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Arnold Grady Shirey; a sister, Wanda Betty Walton Bivens; and two nieces, Donna Kaye Murphy and Johnna Sue Murphy Clay.

Mrs. Shirey leaves her daughter, Joyce Louise Emerson King, and her husband, David Allen of Blytheville;

Two granddaughters, Amy Louise Gullic and her husband, William David, and Susannah Hays King, and one beloved great-grandson, William David Gullic Jr., all of Blytheville;

One sister, Lorene Downs Murphy of Hayti;

One niece, Myra Ellen Murphy Sandage, of Caruthersville, Mo.; and

Three great-nieces; two great-nephews; and their families.

Also honoring her memory are Dr. Shirey's children, Wanda Dean Shirey Parkinson, Kay Shirey Inman and her husband, Bill, Fay Shirey Neibel and her husband Wayne, William Shirey and his wife, Judy; and their families.

Services for Mrs. Shirey will be held at 2 p.m Friday at the Calvary Baptist Church in Hayti. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the funeral. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Hayti.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Shirey will be Michael Sandage, Ricky Perry, Tommy Potts, Steve Carnell, Loyd Avis and Richard Luye.

The family requests memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church in Hayti, First United Methodist Church in Blytheville, or the charity of the donor's choice.