Aleda Shirley

What a funny, smart person we've lost. I am so sorry for Aleda's family and so sad for all of us who knew her.

I'm stunned. I just heard. The world is a poorer place without her.

I met Aleda when she and I were assigned to the same shift for abortion clinic defense in South Jackson. I picked up a stranger and delivered home a friend -- always witty, irreverent and interesting. What a loss!

I still remember the delight I felt when I began reading the manuscript of "Chinese Achitecture"...I was happy a whole week because of it. I have not been in touch with Aleda for years, but I have admired all her books, and I treasure the memory of the one time we met.

Although it has been years since I met Aleda, she lives on in the work of my former students. Her KET poetry writing workshop helped my middle school students complete some wonderful verse to share in a public forum, way back in the 80s. You were a gift to many.

I will always be grateful to Aleda for her passion about writing. She made me take my craft seriously.

My life is a richer one for having known The Shirley's~all three~
and the world is a better place for their contributions while here.
Thank you, Mike, for what you have done to make them happy, proud and well cared-for.

Dear Mike,
Aleda will always be Betty and Guy's "precious child" .
We have called her that sinse she was 1 year old, to her face and behind her back...smiles...
God bless you for being her "precious husband".
Love,
Norma

I first met Aleda through the terrific poems she sent us at MISSISSIPPI REVIEW in the early 80's. It was evident then that her work was like no one else's--how lucky we are to have it permanently, and how unlucky to have lost Aleda's vivid and endearing presence among us. Mike, I'm so sorry.