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.

Though I never met Aleda in person, I was a lucky and grateful recipient of her warm and welcoming nature and her tremendous wit. I will never forget her, and my thoughts are prayers are with her husband and many loved ones.

I knew Aleda only online and in her wonderful poems from Dark Familiar. But she emailed me with help and encouragement when I was trying to know the best way to help a friend who had terminal cancer and wanted to publish her own poems as a legacy. Aleda shared the news of her own illness with me then...and her words helped me help my friend. I treasured her courage and treasure her poems. They are on my bedside table at this moment.

Aleda, I wish you hadn't left the party early, but you always had so much more style than the rest of us. I am deeply sorry you are gone. Mitzi Streepey

Mike,
We're assuming there is Tab in Heaven since the sky has not fallen since Aleda arrived. She was a true original.
Our thoughts are with you.

Dear Mike, We are very sadden to hear of Aleda' passing. God has his hands full now. Can't help think that she's reading her lines to him now. She was an impact on our family, as she was our son's third grade teacher. Robb, has said, many times, he learned a lot from one of his favorite teachers. We will miss seeing her from time to time. Thanks for your friendship, Aleda.
Mike, we'll see you soon.
Jack and Mary Neuschwander and Family

Ms. Shirley created the fonder memories I had at Millsaps College four years ago. I never missed her class and I loved how she could make everyone double over in laughter, and yet she was such an inspiring, thoughtful poet as well - she made such an impression on everyone she met, and was such a fun and warm personality. I have missed her and thought of her often, and I was deeply sad to hear this news. I know for certain that everyone at Millsaps in her creative writing classes will remember her as someone who changed and impacted both their work and their lives.

The world has lost a truly brilliant woman. Aleda, I will miss your wit, wisdom and most of all, your steadfast friendship. I am so very saddened by your loss.
I will always remember you.
Love,
Audrey

Aleda, you were an original, always stylish, always smart, always interesting. I'll miss you more than you know.

God Speed and condolences to your family.

After admiring her work for years, I finally had the chance to meet her when our mutual friend, Jim Harms, brought us both in as faculty at the West Virginia Writers' Workshop. Her wit, candor, and and good nature enriched the experience for all who attended, and I'll miss her.

AJ was an amazing woman - full of life, wit and talent. Though I only knew her "online" I counted her as an important friend. Her family is in my thoughts.

She is already missed.

Who could have had a more gifted, charismatic student than Aleda? She was a joy to have in class and a joy to know. She is gone, but her lovely poems stay with us.

Aleda and I may not have seen eye to eye on which was the best basketball team in Kentucky, but we did share a long online friendship and I will miss her. My thoughts are with her family and many friends.

Aleda was always an informative, fun, and supportive friend with an inspiring eloquence and flair for living artfully. She helped me survive grad school, find the best lip pencil, ever, made me laugh, and took great cat pictures. Aleda's live and virtual presence and point of view will be missed by many friends.

Ms. Shirley,

I'll always remember you as the hippest teacher at Millsaps. I deeply regret that I never got a signed copy of your poetry. Thanks for everything.

Aleda, I'll miss you. I had to call 8 different liquor stores to find one that carries Boodles. Raising a glass to you!

Love,
Stacy

AJ, it doesn't seem possible that you're gone. The world will never be the same without you. I miss you terribly. Love always.

Dear Mike--we are sending you all of our love. We loved Aleda so much. A huge light has gone out in Mississippi this week---we are so saddened by the loss of such a beautiful voice and a beautiful, passionate woman--Marcie and Bill Ferris

She was a dear friend who I never met, a wise and funny lady, and a wonderful writer.

The world has lost some sparkle today, but somewhere an angel is wearing Manolos and carrying a red Birkin.

I am deeply saddened by Aleda's death. She put up an incredible fight, and was always so strong, hopeful, and appreciative of life.

I hope that Mike and Mr. Shirley find comfort knowing how many people loved Aleda. I will never forget her.

God bless and keep you both.

oh Aleda! I have been missing you, but remembering you is much better. I hope that you are having good hair days forever.