Shirley A. Alston

Shirley Ann Alston was born in Great Bend Kansas on July 19, 1935, the first child to the union of Reverend Richard Swindall and Milan Mae Swindall. Raised as a minster’s daughter, after high school, she married Reverend Orville Booker and together, they raised four daughters.

Shirley’s early years were filled with working as a First Lady in the A.M.E. church while being a homemaker for her girls. She decided to go to college and earned her undergraduate and master’s degree from Washington University. She worked for years as an English Teacher for the Florissant – Ferguson School District. Shirley decided to make a career change and accepted a position with McDonald Douglas, now Boeing, as an engineer, where she retired. Later in life, she was introduced to Reverend Doctor Gene Alston. They were married and enjoyed retirement by traveling, spending time with grandchildren, and serving in many church and community organizations.

Shirley loved sewing, crochet, scrapbooking and many other crafts. She was a member and instructor for Bible Study Fellowship. She and her husband, Reverend DR. Alston, lead marriage and grief counseling meetings. She later joined Church On The Rock in St. Peters where she participated in bible study class and senior travel trips, one which was to visit the Holy Land in Israel. Shirley lived an active life until her death on July 28, 2025.

Shirley lived a long life; she was blessed to celebrate her 90th birthday. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Reverend Richard and Milan Swindall; Reverend O.R. Booker and three daughters, Joyce A. Mack, Nicholette W. Booker, Dianne Y. Jones; husband, Reverend Doctor Gene Alston. She leaves behind one daughter, Janet O. Thomas; two sons-in-laws, Charlie Thomas, Jerry Jones; two sisters, Yvonne Blair, Dorothy Rochon; two brothers-in-laws, Bill Blair, Calvin Rochon; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Though Shirley is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in our hearts.