Deborah Ann Shirley

On Sunday, April 11, 2021, Deborah (Deb) Shirley was released from her calling on Earth, following a short illness. She was 61 years young. Deb was born on May 7, 1959 in Ontario, California to Larry and Marilyn (ne´e Myers) Jones. She graduated from Chino High School in 1977, where she had been active as a song-leader and a choir student. On September 16, 1978, she married Gerald (Gerry) Shirley, of Gridley, California. They lived in Gridley for a short period of time before relocating to Yreka, California, where they raised their family. They had one daughter, Gayla, and two sons, Patrick and Keith. Deb enjoyed her work as an Operations Manager at Great Western Bank in Yreka until health concerns necessitated her early retirement. Deb was best known for her cheerful disposition and her ability to lift those around her in time of need. Her laugh was infectious, her smile was captivating, and her ability to see the positive in every situation was inspiring to all who knew her. She scattered sunshine everywhere she went, and she leaves that warmth with those who loved her. Deb struggled with significant physical challenges for most of her life, but she never let that slow her down. She enjoyed hobbies such as sewing, knitting, and reading, and she was actively involved in service to others throughout her life, serving as a Family History missionary and Relief Society President in the Yreka Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was an excellent cook and a dedicated wife and homemaker, as well as a wise teacher and an enthusiastic playmate to her children and grandchildren. She was happiest when she was surrounded by family, friends, and beloved pets. A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, she acted as a window to the Lord's love, and she leaves a legacy of that love which will be felt by all who were blessed to know her. Deb is now reunited with her mother, Marilyn Jones, her father, Larry Jones, and her youngest son, Keith Shirley. She is survived by her husband, Gerry Shirley; her children, Gayla Dagata and Patrick (Kayla) Shirley; grandchildren Dallin Dagata, Burke Shirley, Cicely Shirley, Eden Shirley, Eilee Dagata, and Stanton Shirley; foster grandchildren Olive, Rey'Shawn (Ray), and Rei'Lee, brother Dean (Cindy) Jones; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and honorary family members, too numerous to list, but certainly not forgotten. A funeral service was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Yreka.

Deborah Ann Shirley

May 7, 1959 - April 11, 2021