Shirley McClard

Shirley A. McClard, 73, of Jackson passed away Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at her home.

She was born Sept. 8, 1947, in Cape Girardeau to William and Audrey York Welker Sr. She and Gary McClard were married Jan. 25, 1975, in Jackson.

Shirley was a 1965 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School. For over 40 years, she owned and operated a home daycare, providing love to countless children.

As members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, she and Gary enjoyed traveling to 48 states. Shirley was a fan of all Jackson sports, showing her enthusiasm by attending every event she could. In earlier years, she coordinated and worked in the Little League concession stands.

Loving survivors include her husband of 45 years, Gary "Butch" McClard of Jackson; five children, Teri (Rex) Carter of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; Michele (Dan) Klein of DuQuoin, Illinois; Jerry (Lesli) Golden of Jackson; Gary "Butch" (Donna) McClard of Jackson; and Charles "Chuck" McClard of Kelso, Missouri; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Vicky (the late Duane) Whitledge of Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Sharon Elliott and William and James Welker.

Services are private today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, with Chris Collier officiating. Flowers, plants and gifts may be delivered to the funeral home after 8:30 a.m., this morning.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Southeast Hospice, No. 10 Doctors' Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 or Nubability Athletics, 221 E. Main St., DuQuoin, IL 62832.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Shirley's personal obituary at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.