S hirley Ann Thacker was born August 5, 1943, to the late Cletus and Nellie (Pierce) Johnson.  She was called to Heaven September 19, 2022, where she was greeted by her parents, her sister Earlene Hollingsworth, her infant brother Billy Wayne, her beloved daughter Karla, and grandson Ridge Starnes.

S hirley was born in Hayward, MO and made her home in Portageville.  Her only surviving brother is J.C. "Jiggs" Johnson of Tennessee.  She married the love of her life, Bill Thacker, on September 14, 1960, in Caruthersville, MO.  She took her role as caregiver and homemaker serious.  Bill never had to worry about a thing.  Shirley took care of everything.

S he brought into this world 3 daughters which she cherished - Sandy Starnes, Karla Thacker, and Trena Thacker, all of Portageville.  Although they will miss their mother, Sandy and Trena take comfort knowing Karla and Ridge were waiting to bring her home.

S hirley worked her whole life.  She started early in her life when she began chopping cotton until she was old enough to help in the cafeteria at school with her mother.  She then went on to work at the Delta Center until she started a daycare business in her home. S hirley loved the babies/kids she kept.  She would often say the kids never wanted to go home.  They loved being with her as much as she loved them.  Babysitting was her favorite "job" and she helped raise a lot of the next two generations of Portageville kids.  She had so many fond memories which her family will always cherish.

S hirley also loved her only grandkids, Ridge and Sasha.  Sasha and Shirley were quite a pair though.  Always laughing and having a good time.  They made a lot of memories together which will always hold a special place in Sasha's heart.  Later in life Shirley devoted her life to her only great grandson, Easton.  Taking care of him kept her young, and she loved every minute of it.  Shirley's face would light up when Easton was around.

S hirley never complained.  Even in the last days, if you asked her how she was, she would always respond with, "Better than ever!"  She touched many lives and will be forever missed.  She left this world surrounded by her love, Bill, her daughter, Trena and family.