Shirley Smalling

Shirley Ann Smalling of Woodburn died October 31, 2025 at Magnolia Village nursing home. She was born at home in Stringtown, KY on May 2, 1940 to Tishie Proffit Hunt and Everett Lee Hunt. She graduated from Tompkinsville High School in 1958. Shortly after graduating, she lived in Glasgow with her sister Lou and worked at Happy Valley Restaurant. It was through Lou that Shirley met Gerald Smalling, of Bugtussle, KY. On seeing Shirley for the first time, Gerald said, "That's the girl I'm going to marry."
On August 11, 1962 Shirley did marry Gerald in Chicago. Surrounded by people who spoke many different languages, Shirley and Gerald would speak pig Latin to one another while at the laundry mat. They would carry on that tradition throughout their marriage. In only a few years, they moved to New Albany, IN where Gerald and Shirley's brother James "Trigger" Hunt operated Smalling & Hunt Concrete. Shirley kept the books for the business. During these early years of their marriage, Shirley would dote on her many nieces and nephews.
In an unexpected turn of events, Shirley and Gerald had a little boy blue on June 20, 1974. When Jared Lee was only 4, the family moved to Bowling Green where Shirley began working at Fruit of the Loom. After 20 years at Fruit, Shirley joined South Central Bank until her retirement in 2016. When Gerald passed away in 2008, Shirley moved "in town" to a house she bought, maintained, and decorated just as she wanted. It was there that Shirley kept her grandchildren, Maddy, Noah, Jack, and Luke. The slogan, "I can at Memaws" was displayed in the kitchen.
Shirley was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in August 2018. She was able to live at home with the help of her family until January 2021. She resided at Cardinal Landing Memory Care until July 2025, when she moved to Magnolia Village.
Shirley's life was defined by her great love for family, friends and, especially, children. She was a member of the Woodburn Church of Christ for decades and had many treasured friends among those Christians. Her body will rest beside Gerald's, but her soul is in glory with her savior Jesus Christ.
Shirley is survived by her son, Jared Lee Smalling (Melanie), one sister, Mary Nell York, four grandchildren, Madeline Alsup (Adam), Noah Smalling, Jack Smalling, and Luke Smalling, two great granddaughters, Daniella and Eddie Alsup, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday November 2, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Monday November 3, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM followed by burial in the Woodburn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Woodburn Cemetery.