Shirley Joan Howard

Shirley Joan Howard, 81, of Jonesboro formerly of Hazelwood, Missouri passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Shirley was born on August 25, 1935 to the late William Kelley and Murler Robinson Howard in Senath, Missouri. After high school Shirley joined the All-American Redheads basketball team where she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas State University and her Masters from Ole Miss. During her career she worked as a coach for girls Volleyball and Basketball, and taught Health and Science. She retired from the Hazelwood School District, and later moved to Jonesboro to be near her family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, Sandi (Jerry) Wills of Kennett, MO, Don Macom, Peggy Wren, Cathy Stevens, Teddy Foley, John Mack Howard, Kelly Howard, Hugh (Betty) Hardin, Gherri Pytlik, great nephews, Jason (Billie) Wills and Justin (Meredith) Wills all of Jonesboro; dear friends, Joann Norman, Linda Johnson, and Lou Riley; and a host of other family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be Thursday at 2pm at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Miles officiating. A private interment will take place at Dunklin County Memorial Gardens in Kennett, Missouri at a later date.