Spirit of America 2014 nominee: Shirley Young

Nominated by Eisleben Lutheran Church

Shirley Young

Eisleben Lutheran Church is proud to nominate Shirley Young for the prestigious Spirit of America award.

Shirley was wife of Army Lt. Col. and pilot Lloyd Young. In 50-plus years of marriage, Shirley was the "wind beneath Lloyd's wings," caring for their family and enabling him to serve. Shirley's own examples of service are a continual inspiration to me, reminding me that our political process depends on me; no matter how busy I feel, I can always make time to help others, to treasure family and nation's history and share with my children, and to pray daily for our nation's military families.

Shirley is doggedly hard-working and patriotic. Her enthusiasm and optimism are contagious. She is a natural born encourager and enabler, helping others to rise to their potential in service to country.

She is mother of two sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Tami Young, Devon and Ann Young; three grandchildren, Cameron, Anastasia, and David Young; three great-grandchildren, Madison, Marcus and Dax Young.

Shirley organized the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in Jackson with Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder as keynote speaker. It was recognized at the National DAR Conference in Washington, D.C., earning first place in that category. She served Scott City from 1982-1992 as councilwoman, mayor pro-tem, then mayor (first and only woman elected to that position). She also annexed Industrial Park and secured grants for water service to the area. She established the Historic Preservation Commission 1989.

She was Scott City Chamber of Commerce president for five years. She secured a caboose, got the track in place and the caboose placed on the track, helped paint -- all this with the help of many wonderful Scott City citizens. She organized Railroad Days and secured a grant to help with the expense. Shirley organized the first citywide celebration in 1976 called "Bi-Centennial Celebration" and was honored to name future celebrations "Mid-Summer Festival" 2016 will be the 40th annual celebration.

Community involvement:

* Eisleben Lutheran Church, choir, Bible study, former church council, trustee, finance board, chairman 150th and 160th anniversary committees.

* Member National Huguenot Society

* Conrad Family Historical Organization, secretary since 1986. Current editor of the updated Conrad Genealogy Book now in progress. Was assistant editor of "Conrad's 1750-1986".

* Scott City Women's Club member 25 years, served as president twice, all other positions.

* North Scott County Ambulance District, organizing board member.

* Regional Commerce and Growth Association member.

* State President MOARNG Association.

* Elected representative Scott County Republican Central Committee member, Bootheel Conservatives (who secured Dr. Ben Carson as speaker in 2014).

* American Legion Auxiliary Post 63, member and historian, helped raise money for veterans with American Legion Auxiliary (e.g. Poppy Days).

* Southeast Hospital association member.

* Cub Scout den mother and den leader coach.

* Leader of welcoming committee for new spouses on military base where her husband was stationed.

* Member of band boosters and sports boosters school organizations, helping to raise money for new band uniforms.

* National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, John Guild Chapter, member since 1986, and held many official positions.