Shirley Ann Cook

Shirley Ann (Stevenson) Cook entered the presence of Jesus early on October 18, 2025.
Shirley was born at her grandparents' farm in Moniteau County, Missouri, on July 18, 1937, to (William) Bill and Jessie (Allee) Stevenson.
As a child, Shirley attended church with her grandmother and trusted Christ as her savior at age 11, making her profession of faith at Pilot Grove Baptist Church in Latham, MO, during a revival meeting. She was baptized and became a member of Flag Springs Baptist Church, near California, MO. Her Christian testimony was very important to her.
She graduated from California (MO) High School in 1955 with her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Cook. They married on August 25, 1956, and moved to Southern California, where Jim was in the Marine Corps. She considered Jim the greatest joy in her life and said she could always trust him to make good decisions.
Shirley and Jim were blessed with three children. Mark, Beth, and Steve. Shirley was an amazing mother, prioritizing her family by cooking great meals, baking, sewing, and teaching the love of God through her example.
In 1977, Shirley supported Jim in establishing their family business, Central States Industrial (now known as CSI). In 1981, she left her job at Belair School in Jefferson City to be able to travel and do bookkeeping for Central States. In 1984, Jim, Shirley, and two employees moved Central States to Springfield, MO. Their priority of family resulted in a goal of being closer to much of the work so that employees could be home at night. Over the years, she was like a mother to those joining the growing company, beginning the family culture that CSI tries to maintain today.
Shirley and Jim were very active in the churches of which they were members. She loved working with children – especially preschoolers. They made lifelong friends at the churches they joined. During their years in Springfield, until she was no longer able to drive, Shirley was an active member of First Baptist Church, Springfield, where she also served terms on the personnel committee and the First Baptist Foundation board.
Shirley loved to be busy and served on the board for ARC of the Ozarks for several years. She also volunteered at Mercy Hospital and with Springfield Public Schools, helping younger children who struggled with reading. The hardest part of aging for her came when she could no longer contribute in these ways.
Shirley loved music. She had a beautiful voice and sang in church choirs over the years. She taught her children to love music of many different kinds, and singing was a common pastime on long family trips. Despite lacking formal music training, she started a children's choir at Main Street Baptist Church in California, MO. She and Jim made sacrifices to ensure the kids were active in their youth choir, provided music lessons, sent all three children to band camps, and followed the Marching Jays of Jefferson City High School to performances and competitions.
Shirley and Jim loved travel and were able to see much of the country– whether for leisure or for work. They also traveled to Europe and enjoyed the years when they had a boat and an RV and could get away to Table Rock Lake. The Emerald Coast in Florida was also a favorite location. They shared their love of travel with their parents, children, and grandchildren, and hosted in their RV many times. After Jim was unable to travel, Shirley also toured with various travel clubs and her children.
Shirley set a great example as a wife, in good times and hard times. In addition to traveling, Jim and Shirley enjoyed MSU (SMS) Bears games for many years. Shirley supported the business and took care of the home. As Jim's health declined, she became primarily a caregiver and grieved greatly when she could no longer take care of him on her own.
Shirley was the consummate grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed and influenced her grandchildren at every age. In recent months, she was known to frequently ask about "the little people," meaning the youngest great-grands. She continued to support her family with encouragement via cards and letters and in prayer until her death.
Shirley was a loyal friend, having several close friendships that lasted more than 60 years. Her smile was contagious, and she was a faithful encourager to many. She was a bright spot to staff and residents alike at Turners Rock, where she had lived since 2021.
In the past two years, she has been served faithfully by "Team Shirley," including exceptional caregivers Tammy, Colleen, Vicki, and Vickie. More recently, Tina and Sherry began helping with her care.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jim. Her sister, Patricia Enloe, and a grandson, Andrew.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Julie) Cook, Steve (Patricia) Cook, and Beth (Ellis) Ipock. Her grandchildren Karmen Cook, Matthew (Christina) Blackmon, Emily (Matthew) McColgin, Aaron (Julie) Ipock, Spencer Cook, Jordan (Abbie) Cook, and Lawson Cook. Her great-grandchildren, Charis, Jamie, Jaxon, Haven, Elsie, Celina, Zachary, Keagen, Cohen, and Adley, as well as 5 bonus grandchildren – Clint, Chad, Chris, Ashlynn and Jaclyn, as well as 10 bonus great-grandchildren.
Services for Shirley will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Interment will follow Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 21, 2025 in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers you are invited to support Gideon's International, Mountain Calling Ministries or ARC of the Ozarks.