Shirley J. Carson, 61, of Parsons, dearly loved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, departed this life at 1:56 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at Freeman West in Joplin, Missouri.
Shirley Jean Spencer was born on Feb. 4, 1963, to Ernest Cloyce and Florence Ione (Meeks) Spencer in Parsons, Kansas. She grew up and attended grade school and high school in Altamont.
On Nov. 4, 1978, Shirley and Ed Carson were united in marriage in Mound Valley. The couple had three children. After 30 years of marriage, the couple separated. For most of her children’s youth, Shirley was a homemaker. She later worked for Parsons Precision Products, Tastee Freeze, Taco Mayo and Country Mart. She was adored by all who knew her. She devoted her life to caring for others. Her children and grandchildren were her world. She always had a smile on her face and had a cheerful laugh that was infectious.
She is survived by her three children, Donna Carson (Bryan) of Parsons, Christopher Carson of Wichita and Samantha Carson of Wichita; nine grandchildren, Chandler Stinson (Emma) of Oceanside, California, Austin Palmer of Augusta, Kirstin Carson (Jake) of Parsons, Kaden Sells of Parsons, Tucker Myers of Parsons, Hevyn Palmer of North Carolina, Ryker Trotnic of Parsons, Lily Chavez of Parsons and Adelynn Carson of Wichita. She loved spending time with each and every one of them. She was always on the go, made the best of whatever the situation and always kept a smile on her face.
Additionally, she is survived by her mother, Ione Spencer, of Parsons; four brothers, William “Bill” Spencer (Denise) of Altamont, Bob Spencer of Bartlett, Randy Spencer (LeeAnn) of Altamont and Charlie Spencer (Renee) of Welch, Oklahoma; and long-time friend, Mark Trotnic, of the home.
She was preceded in death by her daddy, Ernest Spencer; three brothers, Merle Spencer, Marvin Spencer and Ricky Spencer; and three sisters, Evelyn Spencer, Gerri Stotts and Pam Spencer.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.
The family suggests memorials to defray final expenses. Checks may be made payable to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
See Obituaries, Page 3.
