Shirley Jean Patrick

Shirley Jean Patrick, 81, of Jefferson City passed away Sunday, June 17, 2018, at her home surrounded by both of her children, both of her grandchildren, and her daughter-in-law. She successfully battled an aggressive brain malignancy, maintaining a high quality of life for over a year without spending a minute in a hospital and while staying in her home the entire duration of her illness. She put up a relentless, positive battle and was a determined, strong-willed woman throughout her life. Shirley was born in Piggott, AK on May 15, 1937. She grew up and graduated from high school in Campbell, MO. She attended the University of Missouri for two years in 1955 and 1956 before working full time to support her family while her husband, Harold Patrick, completed his education. She was a devoted mother who would do anything for the benefit of her children and stayed at home full-time until her children completed grade school before completing her bachelors degree in Elementary Education at the University of Missouri in 1976. Shirley has been a Jefferson City resident since 1964 and taught for 36 years in the Jefferson City Public School system, the last 34 as a kindergarten teacher at Belair School touching countless lives. She was a dedicated teacher spending long evening hours at school throughout her career, retiring in 2012 at age 75. Shirley traveled extensively during her retirement, often with her daughter, including Alaska, Mediterranean, and Panama Canal cruises. She completed a bus tour of Europe, a river cruise in Russia, a trip to Mexico, and multiple trips in the continental United States. She enjoyed her time with her family including her son in Jefferson City. She was a bit of a bargain hunting shopaholic throughout her life. Shirley was also able to socialize with many former teachers during her retirement as a member of multiple retired educator organizations. She is a former member of Memorial Baptist and Concord Baptist Churches. Her survivors include her son Jeffrey (Stephanie) Patrick, MD of Jefferson City; her daughter Kimberly (William) Crews, Ph.D. of Longmont, CO; granddaughters Brittany and Bailey Patrick of Jefferson City; and brother Claud Comer of Bettendorf, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents Manual and Lavora (King) Comer. She will be deeply missed. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 22, 2018, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City with the funeral service to immediately follow at 1 p.m. with Dr. Doyle Sager officiating. Entombment will be in Riverview Mausoleum. Memorials are suggested to the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.