Shirle Wilkerson

Shirle Jean Wilkerson, age 87, of Kansas City, Missouri died of natural causes on April 11, 2018. Shirle was predeceased by her husband of 63 years James E Wilkerson on August 1, 2015. Shirle is survived by her four children, Barbara Mcatee, Charles, Scott, and Jefferson Wilkerson, and numerous grand and great grand children.

Shirle was born on July 14, 1930 to George and Dorothea Round of St. Joseph, Missouri. In addition to raising her children, Shirle volunteered to teach children with dyslexia, was a Docent at University Missouri Columbia Museum, and served with the National Organization of Women actively supporting and lobbying for the Equal Rights Amendment. She worked for Hertz, SS Kreske, Sears, and Columbia Arts and Frame among others.

Shirle and Jim retired to their lake front home at Lake of the Ozarks outside of Laurie, MO in 1986 where they resided until 2009. During their 22 years at the lake they expanded their home, planted beautiful gardens, enjoyed the seasons and frequent visitors family and friends who dropped by. Shirle was an avid fisherman and known as the “fishing grandma” by her grand children. With family, friends and Jim she explored the Lake, fished Canada and the Gulf Coast of Texas on many memorable adventures. It’s an open question as to who landed the biggest fish, Shirle or Jim, but both enjoyed the sport and the eating.

Shirle developed a love for reading and the arts as a young girl in St. Joseph where she would walk to the library weekly and return home with an armful of books. While her grandfather worked at a local theater she would attend the double features for free. She instilled these passions in her children while taking them to Starlight Theater, the Music Hall and other venues in Kansas City during their childhood years. Throughout her life Shirle continued to enjoy the theater, reading and movies although the later shifted from theaters to cable TV.

Shirle was a collector. Jewelry, coins, art, books, and music were her most treasured, but by no means the only collections she acquired over time. An extensive collection of Beanie Babies was donated to the Kansas City Police Department and subsequently provided comfort to the many children visiting the North Patrol station during domestic events and parent exchanges. Books and music and other collections have been shared with several libraries and charitable organizations to help benefit others as well.

Shirle and Jim travelled extensively across the U.S. and while they may not have visited every State they didn’t miss many. They loved being snow birds in South Padre Island Texas for years, as well as attending the annual Patrol Torpedo (PT) Boat reunions in Falls River, MA for many years. They enjoyed several trips outside the U.S. to Spain, Austria, Hungry, England, Ireland, Venezuela and Panama among others.

These past years while residing at Riverstone in Kansas City, Shirle enjoyed going out to lunch with Jim and friends, shopping, the many adventures to the theater, vineyards, marble factories, and mystery trips. Staff and caregivers always volunteered what a joy she was to know and be with.

As Shirle begins this next adventure we believe that she is again joined by her love and life long partner Jim. May they continue to grow, learn and love.

In respect for Shirle’s wishes a public service and funeral will not be held.