Shirley Jo Thompson

Shirley Jo (Gray) Thompson, age 83, of Harrah, OK, passed to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 7, 2016, in OKC, OK. Shirley was born in Eva, OK on December 31, 1932, to R. D. and Mattie (Heckart) Gray, who moved the family to Buffalo, OK in 1935 where Shirley grew up playing basketball, twirling baton, enjoying 4H, and forming friendships that would last for the rest of her life. Shirley’s lifelong love of basketball resulted in “#1 Thunder fan” status; she unfailingly watched every game. She was graduated from Buffalo H.S. in 1950, immediately moved to OKC, and was graduated in 1951 from Draughon School of Business. Shirley and Alvin G. Thompson met while both worked for Mideke Supply Company, married on November 27, 1952, and spent over 60 years raising a family, working in their church and their community, and in love. Shirley and Alvin moved to Harrah in 1956 where they both became involved in the Harrah United Methodist Church and in the community. Shirley and Ruthann (Wilson) Boydston opened Flowerland Florist in 1959, working side by side until they sold the business in 1999 and retired. For over 60 years, Shirley sang in the HUMC choir, and served on many committees. She was a charter member of the Harrah Merchants Association which later became the Harrah Chamber of Commerce, holding offices in both, and was very active in the Harrah Historical Society from its inception. For her volunteer work in the community over the years, Shirley was named 2000 Harrah Citizen of the year, and 2015 Parade Marshall in the 43rd annual Harrah Day parade. A favorite anonymous quote of hers sums up her commitment, dedication, and love of her community: Volunteering for something is the ultimate experience in democracy. You vote in elections once a year. But when you volunteer, you’re voting every day about the community you want to live in. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Alvin, daughter Patti Lynn, her parents, and brothers Gene L. Gray and Ronald J. Gray. Shirley’s survivors include her daughters Connie Thompson and Nancy Kirk of OKC; beloved grandsons Ted Prince and Mark Prince of OKC; sister Joyce Randolph of Boise City, OK; in-laws Deloris Thompson, Joleen Gray, G.C. and Lola Thompson; and dear friends Ruth Shaw and Ruthann (Wilson) Boydston. Memorials may be made to the Harrah United Methodist Church, 2224 Harrison Avenue, or to the Harrah Historical Society, 20881 Main Street, Harrah OK 73045. Services will be 10:00 AM, Monday, July 11, 2016, at the Harrah United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.