Shirley Mae McGinness Morgan, 92, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, lost her struggle with cancer on April 4, 2018. Her fight and passing were accompanied by her usual humor, grace, and dignity.
Shirley was preceded in death by her mother and father, Clara and Alton Alford, and her husband, Joseph Morgan.
Survivors include her loving son, Brian C. McGinness and his husband, J. Kent Barnhart; son, Stephen L. McGinness; and her ex-husband, E. Logan McGinness. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Patrick J. Morgan (Verna), Kevin Morgan (Sonya), Shannon Morgan, Jill Clark (John), and Molly Roberts, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley was born January 31, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and continued her studies at the University of Missouri. Her life was one of style, both personally and professionally. She worked in multiple positions for several retail companies in the fashion world, including serving as a personal shopper at Stix, Baer & Fuller. In May, 1986, she married Joseph Morgan – and his entire family – and enjoyed twenty-five years of entertaining and enjoying music, wonderful food, and great company at their homes in Liberty and Excelsior Springs. Following Joe’s death in 2011, Shirley continued her life at the Oaks Apartments in Excelsior Springs, ever the gracious hostess ready to entertain. Even in her last weeks, she kept her style and humor; after she had moved into her room at the Convalescent Center and the family had decorated (to her precise instructions), she mused, “Well, do you think they’ll put it on the homes tour?”
The family is especially thankful to “Shirley’s Angels” – those who went above and beyond to care for Shirley: Janice Lewis, Shannon Morgan, Molly Roberts, Kristy Thatcher, Courtney Cole, and her ever-present and loving son, Brian McGinness.
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Bross & Spidle Chapel, 217 West Broadway Street, Excelsior Springs, Missouri. A private family interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to the Convalescent Care Center – Excelsior Springs Hospital, 1700 Rainbow Blvd., Excelsior Springs, MO 62024 or Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO 64105.
Goodnight Mom.
Our Sincere Condolences
My heart breaks upon reading this. I was looking for moms obituary when I saw this. My prayers go out to the family and friends, especially Grandpa Wilson. I love you all.
Alicia Eubank
