Shirley Mae McCoy

Shirley Mae McCoy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on October 14, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on November 18, 1942, to Mary Elenora (Daniels) and Howard Thomas Daniels, Shirley was the oldest of seven surviving children and took her role as big sister to heart throughout her life. She was a constant caretaker, always watching over her family with love, strength, and compassion.
A proud graduate of Oktaha High School, Class of 1960, Shirley later attended college courses, always valuing education and self-improvement. In December 1963, she married Kenneth "Mugs" McCoy, and together they were blessed with three sons - Gary Don, Thomas Joe, and Kenny Ray - her life's greatest calling and joy. Shirley's love for her boys knew no bounds; she gave of herself freely, quietly sacrificing her own needs so theirs could be met, finding fulfillment in their joy, success, and the men they became.
Although her sons were her ultimate purpose, Shirley had a heart big enough for everyone. Over the years, she opened her home to countless relatives and friends. Her home was a haven, filled with good food, laughter, and unconditional love. And after raising a home full of boys, the Lord saw fit to bless her with all granddaughters, which became one of the greatest joys and blessings of her life.
Professionally, Shirley was known for her dedication and service to her community. She worked at Swifts and at the local newspaper before finding her long-term calling as the Administrative Assistant for the County Commissioner of District 2, where she faithfully served for over 30 years before retiring. Her loyalty, attention to detail, kind smile, and mothering spirit made her indispensable day in and day out.
Outside of work, Shirley found joy in life's simple pleasures - sewing, knitting, crossword puzzles, gardening, Cardinals baseball, cooking, coffee, and hunting for a good bargain while shopping. But above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family - especially her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. She lived her life selflessly, always putting others first, and embodied everything a grandmother should be: safe, warm, gentle, kind, and endlessly loving. Shirley leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and family devotion that will continue to live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her loving sons: Gary Don and Sherry McCoy, Thomas Joe McCoy, and Kenny Ray and Stella McCoy; her grandchildren: Kevin and Alicia, Chloe and Macey White, Billy, Kelsey, and Zander Caves, Brandon and Lacey Scalf, Corey, Kenna, Stella, Shirley, Scarlett, Timothy, Theodore, and Susannah Hill; her siblings Lela Buzbee and Buster Daniels; as well as extended family and countless friends who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Elenora and Howard Thomas Daniels; her husband, Kenneth McCoy; brothers Sonny Daniels, Tom Daniels, and Terry Daniels; and sisters Maxine Sells and Clara Meeks - along with many other loved ones who welcomed her home with open arms.
Celebration of Life A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 17, 2025, at Lescher-Millsap Funeral Home & Cremation, with Brandon Scalf officiating. Visitation will take place on October 16, from 12–8 p.m. Burial will follow at McClain Cemetery, and a dinner for family and friends to fellowship and remember Shirley will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 711 Spaulding Blvd, Muskogee, OK 74403, at 2 p.m.
Pallbearers: Ronnie McCoy, Tom Daniels, Anthony Bellah, Michael Bellah, Danny Bellah, Jeremey Bellah, and Kevin McCoy.
Honorary Pallbearers: Shelby Sells, Tony Sells, Teddy Sells, Olin Daniels, and Robert Daniels.
Though her presence will be deeply missed, Shirley's love will live on forever in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. And though we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our hope is anchored in the finished work of Christ - the One who conquered death, who gathers His saints to Himself, and who will one day make all things new.
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." - Psalm 116:15 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please visit our floral store.