Shirley Ann Goode Spears was born on October 17, 1938 in Holland, AR and peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior in Branson, MO on November 20, 2020.

Shirley was the ultimate wife, mother and lady. She always just carried on, providing unqualified support to her family even when her husband worked long, crazy hours as a doctor. She was an amazing cook and typically had some special treat coming out of the oven when her kids got off the bus after school, and then later served up a delicious dinner. We’ve all tried, but no one can cook a brisket that melts in your mouth like Mimi’s. Christmas was always so special with all the candy, cookies, and bars she would make.

Shirley was the warm, loving Mrs. Spears to her children’s friends. She enjoyed welcoming kids to her home and was another mother to so many. She said ‘yes’ to every sleepover and was so happy when her house was full.

Manners and etiquette were very important to Shirley, particularly table manners. Her children may have lived in Missouri, but they were raised as if they lived next door to the Queen. We’re really not sure how she learned all these rules, but at least one of her children is very grateful for the training.

Shirley was always well dressed, and her hair and make up were flawless. In fact, she may be responsible for keeping local salon owner and good friend Gary Larmon in business for decades. Despite her elegant ways, she wasn’t above standing on the front porch and using a Tarzan yell to call her kids back to the house at dark. She may also have gotten kicked out of a couple of high school baseball games with her co-hort, Marion Cobb, for being a tad too vocal about the umpire’s poor eyesight.

Shirley loved to play cards – or any game – and joined a bridge club as a young woman in Branson in 1962. She played in that club for over 50 years! Truly, Thursdays were her best days. She took up golf later in life and enjoyed it thoroughly, although who knows if it was the actual game or the fun golf trips with friends. In any event, she was a tough but fair competitor. Friends were everything to Shirley, and she had so many! Please know she loved each of you so much. She had many laughs and shared so much with her best friend since 4th grade, Luanne Mello, and her “soul sister” for sixty years, Nell Hudson, who are left to treasure those memories.

Shirley is pre-deceased by her husband Dr. Charles A. Spears, parents V.C. and Elsie Goode, and brother-in-law Lloyd Brown. She is survived by her children: Cherie and her husband, Jim (who loved his “Shirl”), son Chip, and son Chris and his wife, Pamela, who was truly the best “daughter-in-love” anyone could ever wish for. She also leaves behind her cherished sisters Judy Brown and Laveda Hughes, brother-in-law Joe Hughes; uncle Dwayne Goode, cousins Kay and Roger Price, Karen Land and Jimmy Renny, as well as her very loved nieces and nephews: Kim Simmons, Karen and Kevin Hughes, Kristy Hughes and Julie and Kent Simmons.

Being Mimi was the greatest joy in her life and she leaves wonderful memories with her five granddaughters: Mary Beth Walker, Christina and Allison Spears, Margaret (Chris) Harpending and Holli Anne Spears. She relished every opportunity to be present in their lives and will be remembered for being compassionate, generous, and generally just fabulous.

Shirley gave much back to the community she lived in for 60+ years, especially to First Presbyterian Church of Branson, the Branson Library, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks. She worked tirelessly with her beloved “Gala Girls” planning and executing the Boys and Girls Club’s annual fundraiser and would be thrilled to direct any memorials to them at: Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks, 1460 Bee Creek Road, Branson, MO 65616 or www.bgcozarks.org/donate with “Shirley Spears” in the comment box.

A memorial service will be held at a later date when people can safely gather to celebrate her life.