Shirley A. Davies

Shirley Ann (Phipps) Davies passed away peacefully at Colonial Oaks Senior Living on June 2, 2023.  Shirley was born on May 25, 1935 in Richmond, Missouri, the oldest child of Jesse and Margaret Phipps.  She had one younger brother, Gail. She grew up in a musical home, enjoying singing, playing the piano and clarinet. She attended Richmond High School, graduating in 1953.  Following graduation she attended Christian College in Columbia MO, earning her associates degree. She then attended MU, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, graduating in 1957 with a BS in education.  She was set up on a blind date with the love of her life, Don Davies, and they married a year later in November 1958. They were married for 49 years until his passing in December 2007.

Don and Shirley moved to Overland Park, Kansas and Shirley taught at Linwood Elementary and Marsha Bagby Elementary in Shawnee Mission.  When they had a daughter, Lori and then a son Jeff, Shirley stayed home to care for her family.  She was an amazing wife and mom, full of energy, with a positive attitude and outlook on life. The family loved her epic summer bike rides, creative birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and the camping vacations to California, Washington DC, Mackinaw Island and New England. Shirley eventually returned to teaching in 1977, and earned her masters degree in education from KU in 1982. She had a life long passion for learning. She found great joy in nurturing kids and helping them grow and achieve their potential. She stayed in the Shawnee Mission School District, taught at Nall Hills Elementary, Oak Park Elementary, and finally retired from Briarwood Elementary in 2000. 

After retirement Don and Shirley enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading  and entertaining.  Shirley was a member of the Leawood Singers and joined PEO.  Grandsons Jesse and Kyle came along in 1993 and 1995 and Grame and Papa were so thrilled. Every life event they were there-baptisms, the first day of school, ball games, class plays, and concerts all filled a great part of their lives. They showered their love and time with weekend sleepovers, board game marathons, snowman building, breakfast waffles, picnics at Deanna Rose and Plaza carriage rides.

The family continued to grow with grandchildren Hannah, then Thomas. Grame loved hosting Christmas gatherings, graduation and birthday celebrations. She loved spending time with her family.

Her energetic spirit frequently blessed her friends and family.  She found joy in serving others, and was always available, assisting without recognition or attention. She was a loyal and loving friend, and the beautiful combination of her sweet and spunky spirit was a gift to all who knew her. She is loved by many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.