Shirley H. Brinkerhoff

Our former Clarks Green neighbor. An inspiration and testimony to so many. We were blessed to have you as our neighbor and friend. May you walk the streets of gold, pain-free forever. Blessings to all your family and friends.

We were so saddened to learn of Shirley's losing the battle against her cancer. She had often e-mailed notes saying she was praying for us, even as we prayed for her. May her memory and her writings continue to give God glory. Many blessings of comfort and grace to those dear friends and family left behind.

Shirley and Ryan were virtually neighbors for quite a while. Our girls enjoyed watching Ryan when he was in elementary school in the afternoons until Shirley could get home from work. Sometimes, they fed and walked the Brinkerhoff dog while they were away. I often prayed for them after they moved when I walked by where they used to live. Ryan, I will be praying for you now, on my walks on Clark and Hall Streets.

Shirley's piano playing at the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference...

My dear, dear Shirley, how I do miss you already. But I thank God for giving you to me as a friend all these years. Your smile, your laugh, your incredible sense of humor at a time when most folks would resort to weeping instead, will remain a permanent part of my memory. The witness of your long fight with the cancer monster has taught me much and played a role in helping me launch my own fight these days. How can I ever forget the almost whimsical way you told us about your days, even...

I met Shirley when Ryan was just 6 and she was still living in Santa Barbara. We met at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference and became instant friends. I love her humor, honestly and deep faith. I will miss her!

Sorry for the family's loss and grief but celebrating Shirley's graduation to heaven.

Shirley was a contageous human being...no matter how bad things seemed to be, she could make you feel as though everything would still be okay, amazingly enough! Each of the last number of summers, my writing partner, Ethel Herr and I would go to spend a day or two in York with Shirley, and Ryan, thinking to bring Shirley some cheer and Ryan a couple of ears to listen if he needed or wanted to talk; and invariably, we were the ones who walked away with the blessings that oozed out of that...

Shirley was a wonderful author and an absolute delight to work with! It has been a joy to connect with her over the years, and I know she will be missed by so many who loved her.

Many thoughts and prayers from the Speed family, Nashville,Tn.