Shirley Poorman

Shirley Laverne Poorman, 87, of Jackson went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 24, 1937, in Commerce to Lorene A. Vetter. She was raised by Lawrence and Rosalie Vetter.

She and Arthur Lee Poorman were married Aug. 2, 1959, in Commerce. He preceded her in death Jan. 17, 2014.

Shirley Poorman was a woman of faith. She was blessed with a long and full life. She devoted her life to the Lord and spent many hours studying the word of God and piecing together the armor of God in her life. She not only devoted her life to the Lord, but was the foundational rock in the spiritual lives of many of her loved ones. She provided the faith that fueled the family and moved many of them to salvation and sustained faith themselves. She truly was an example of a servant to and child of the King.

Shirley was an experienced educator, receiving a master's degree in education. She spent much of her working life as a home economics teacher at Cape Girardedau Central High School, while she spent her final years as an elementary school teacher at Charleston. She devoted her time in education to not only grow students' education and develop their learning capacity, but to go above and beyond to better their lives inside and outside of the classroom.

In her free time, Shirley was a true inspirational talent behind a sewing machine and embroidery machine. Not only did she volunteer her time teaching sewing classes, but she forged hundreds of handmade gifts, shirts and outfits for loved ones and friends alike. She not only loved her time in the sewing room, but she used it to better others' lives as well.

Shirley was also well versed and well traveled as she and her late husband, Arthur, made numerous trips to Mexico and also Europe and China. They also traveled all over the United States in search of adventure and especially to watch baseball games of their son, Yancy, and later to see their grandson, Kolten.

She brightened any room she walked in with her vocal presence, glowing smile and booming laugh. She also spiced up the lives of many as she would debate over just about anything, politics being her specialty. Shirley Poorman founded her life on her walk with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through all her travels, adventures and lessons, she has finally reached the destination she had been longing for.

Survivors include her son, Dr. Yancy (Cindy) Poorman of Bonne Terre; brother, Paul Edgman of Chicago; and grandson, Kolten Poorman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Arthur Lee Poorman.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, May 6, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Doug Clinton officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Denis Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Habitat for Humanity.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.