Shirley Pappas Obituary

Shirley Mae (McMurray) Pappas, age 88, passed away Thursday, July 10 in Rogers, Arkansas. Born April 7, 1937 in Marble, Arkansas-the mold was (almost!) broken when she entered the world!
Shirley was a lot of things in her life. A cherished daughter that fiercely loved her mother. A feisty, commanding sister that corralled three mischievous younger brothers. The cool aunt that sent the fancy Christmas gifts with pretty bows- and taught her nieces & nephews a few curse words.
Shirley graduated in 1954 from Huntsville High School. Always one to want her independence, after high school she moved out of state to attend Draughon School of Business. She worked for the DuPont Corporation in Detroit, but she spent the majority of her working career as a Legal Secretary-and if you knew her, you know she ran a tight ship at the law office, kept the attorneys in line, & probably earned an unofficial law degree.
Not one to be told what to do, this made her the perfect big sister bossing her little brothers around. Her family has long said- you didn't cross Shirley & live to tell the tale. Her three brothers learned that the hard way when Shirley would chase them across the lawn with a broom taking hits at whichever brother she could reach. In her later years, she would recount that she didn't know how she survived those three rascals and kept her sanity.
Never one to live a boring life, she moved to Detroit (where she learned that she despised cold weather), lived the glamorous California life in Laguna Hills, worshipped the sun on the beaches of Florida in Ft. Lauderdale, drove a sporty Ford Thunderbird, and spent her retirement in Venice, FL. From the time she discovered the sandy beaches of Florida & Polynesian food at Mai Kai Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, Shirley was hooked. She preferred red wine & music with a good beat-preferably simultaneously. It wasn't unusual to find her dancing in the middle of a department store because she liked the music.
Throughout her life, from childhood to her final years, she faced adversity with class & sophistication. She faced whatever came her way- good & bad- head on. She was never one to shy away or back down. It's this spirit that made her an admirable & endearing daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Elbert (Sr.) & Zelma McMurray, brother Jerry McMurray, & brother Elbert McMurray, Jr.
Shirley is survived by youngest brother- Larry McMurray (whom she affectionally referred to as Squirt), her mini-me niece- Jennifer McMurray, niece- Michelle Posey, and three sister-in-laws, many cousins, great-nephews, and extended family across the country.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 17 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Moore's Funeral Home. The family would love for friends, loved ones, and the slew of "Aunt Shirley fans" to come help us celebrate the life of our beloved little firecracker.
Shirley much preferred animals over humans. She was particularly fond of cats & spent part of her retirement years as a volunteer at St. Francis Animal Rescue Thrift Store in Venice,FL. In keeping with her wishes & adoration of cats, the family kindly requests that in lieu of any flowers that donations be made in Shirley Pappas' memory to St. Francis Animal Rescue or any no-kill animal shelter of your choosing. Donations can be sent to St. Francis Animal Rescue 1925 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL. 34293 or online: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=LDPAFUCMRYC86
To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com