Services to celebrate and remember the life of Shirley Jean McClurg will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Memorial Heights Baptist Church in Claremore. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until service time on Tuesday at the church. Shirley graduated to glory on Monday, March 25, 2024. She was 85.

Shirley Jean (Lewis) McClurg was born July 28, 1938, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to Nelson and Geraldine (Talbert) Lewis. She received her education through Claremore Public Schools. During her senior year, she met Thomas Edwin McClurg, the love of her life. The couple married February 14, 1957. They made their home in Sequoyah/Claremore, where they lived all their lives, except for a brief time in Mesa, Arizona.

On October 3, 1957, they welcomed their one and only child, a daughter Deborah (Debbye) Jean McClurg. Once Debbye started school, Shirley took a job at Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA) working in the snack bar. OMA converted to Claremore Jr. College (CJC) and Shirley worked in various capacities throughout her tenure there, including Athletic Department Secretary and Assistant Registrar. She continued her education at the college and upon the death of Registrar, Marian Cunningham, she became "acting" Registrar. Eventually, Shirley became the CJC Registrar, a position she held until retirement.

After a few months of leisure, Shirley went to work for Hark and Associates. Her next job was at J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum, where she greeted guests and worked in the gift shop. Health issues led to her retirement in 2023. Shirley enjoyed reading romance novels and mysteries. She liked watching TV, especially her favorite soap operas, "Young and Restless" and "General Hospital." She also enjoyed "Family Feud," which she watched nightly and old movies on TCM.

Shirley loved going on drives with her longtime friend, Tom Peaster, who was truly a Godsend, especially during her health issues, taking her to appointments, and anything else she needed, including weekly trips to the beauty shop, where beautician and friend, Jeannie Weeks would make her feel better by fixing her hair. Shirley was an active member of Memorial Heights Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, participated in the Nursing Home Music Ministry and went on outings with the SAMS and SALS (Senior Adult Men and Senior Adult Ladies). She absolutely loved the ladies in her Sunday School Class and missed being able to attend. They continued being a blessing to her by sending cards, calling, preparing meals and some staying in touch via Facebook.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Thomas McClurg, parents, Nelson and Geraldine Lewis and brother, Charles (Chuck) Lewis. Survivors include her daughter, Debbye McClurg of the home. Sister, Carol Elam and husband, Jerry, brother, Gary Lewis and wife, Peggy. Also surviving are her beloved fur babies, Raven and Angel.

In lieu of flowers or other condolences, please consider making a donation in Shirley's name to the building fund of Memorial Heights Baptist Church.

Please view and sign Shirley's online tribute at www.delozierfuneralservice.com