Shirley was born in Tug Hollow, West Virginia to Virginia Simpkins and Vivian Simpkins truly a coal miner’s daughter. She was the oldest of four. Two Sisters and one Brother. Surviving sister, Vivian Feysa and deceased sister Freda Zarlino and brother, Carl Simpkins. Shirley was a musically talented person having picked up the clarinet at a very early age starting in 4th grade. She became very accomplished playing first chair and maintaining straight A’s in her later high school years.    

With the depression years taking its toll on mining the family picked up and moved west moving to Pasco, Washington where her Dad found work with the Rail Road. She had later moved to Hemet, Ca. This is where Shirley was married and started her family having 3 children. Charles Finister deceased, Vickie Wardell and Jodie Finister. They were the loves of her life. She always put her family first in thought and prayer. She worked long hours in the service industry to put food on the table and to make sure that her children always had what they needed.

Shirley resided in Delhi, Ca and had worked for Foster Farms for 22 years. These were very good years for Shirley as she met the love of her life Elbert Gryder deceased. They were married for 14 years and they were the happiest years as Elbert was a good man and treated her with care and love. They bought an RV and traveled the US and especially the south Louisiana bayou where Elbert was from returning with many good stories to tell and laughs to share.

Shirley was very much in touch with the lord. We will miss her blessings she would give for all our family holiday dinners and birthday celebrations. They were the best and always from the heart. Shirley confronted her end with courage. She was not afraid in fact she was excited to meet the lord and be no longer with pain. Her first day in hospice was spent having a party with friends and family all joining to celebrate her life. We will miss your beautiful smile Shirley and we thank you for being the kind of friend you were to all who knew you. You will be loved and never forgotten. 

Shirley is survived by her Sister, Vivian Feysa, Daughter, Vickie and husband, Leland Wardell, Daughter Jodie Finister, along with extended family Tina Anderson, Brandon and Laura Jones, also Lacey, Joe, Willie, Azzi and Lilly. Along with many nieces and nephews and her pet Chihuahua Lucky. 

Services will be held grave side at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, Ca 900 Santa Fe Ave at 1:00 PM on September 23rd. A gathering will be held following at the Village Chapel Church at 1825 Central Ave in Ceres, CA 95307