Shirley Ann Epperson, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, the day after celebrating her birthday. She was born on June 13, 1942, in Springfield, Missouri, to Clifford and Grace Hodges.

Shirley was raised in Springfield as part of a close-knit family of ten children. She attended Parkview High School and later married the love of her life, Donald Epperson. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Oklahoma for about a year, where they welcomed their first son, Tim. They soon returned to Springfield, where a few years later they were blessed with their second son, Randy.

A devoted homemaker and mother, Shirley poured her heart into caring for her family. She was incredibly talented and creative, with a love for knitting and sewing, and she could make or repair just about anything. Her skills even extended to reupholstering furniture, a testament to her patience, resourcefulness, and eye for detail.

Shirley was a dedicated Christian and faithfully attended Graceway Baptist Church for the past five years. Her quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering faith were evident to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Epperson; her parents, Clifford and Grace Hodges; and many of her siblings.

Shirley is survived by her loving sons, Tim Epperson and his wife, Kelly, and Randy Epperson; and her siblings, Judy Davis, Larry Hodges, and Danny Hodges, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.