Shirley Jean Thompson

Shirley Thompson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Roberson Funeral Home - King City on Mar. 9, 2026.Shirley Jean Thompson, 93, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at a skilled nursing facility near Liberty, Missouri.Born on August 27, 1932, in the countryside north of King City, Missouri, she was the daughter of Vonciel Houston and Lester Thompson. Shirley attended a rural grade school near Empire Prairie-often remembered locally as Prairie Flower School-before continuing her education at King City High School. Gifted with exceptional math skills and a love for baseball, she carried both talents and passions throughout her youth. After high school, she completed her studies at Gard School of Business in St. Joseph.Shirley began her professional career at Western Dairy, where she served for many years as the Office Manager. She later worked in sales for Wright Jewelers in St. Joseph, where her warm personality and attention to detail made her a favorite among customers and colleagues alike.Shirley lived a life filled with activity, curiosity, and community. She enjoyed bowling and spent many years playing in a local league. A lover of history, she was an active member of the Robidoux Row Museum, where she supported efforts to preserve the stories of St. Joseph's past.Her love of the outdoors was evident to all who knew her. Shirley took great pride in her yard and vegetable garden, and she especially cherished her flowers. Her large tulip garden became a beloved neighborhood landmark-so beautiful that people often stopped to admire it and take photographs. She also volunteered her time maintaining flower and plant beds along the St. Joseph parkway system and at Ashland Cemetery, quietly contributing to the beauty of the community she loved.Shirley was of the Christian faith and attended various churches in St. Joseph throughout her life.She is survived by her loving niece and nephew, Lynne Thompson Bryson and James Lester Thompson; her sister in law, Donna Ann Thompson; and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister, Phyllis Ann Thompson; and her brother, Max Eldon Thompson.Shirley will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to family, and the quiet beauty she brought into the world.Shirley will lie in state on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 8:00 – 1:30 PM at Roberson Funeral Home, 101 Prospect, King City, MO 64463. The family will have a private graveside service at King City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences can be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.