Shirley May Smith

Shirley May Smith a lifelong resident of Harmon County passed away September 2,
2025 at Colonial Manor II in Hollis, Oklahoma at the age of 98.
Shirley was born on March 10, 1927 in Hollis, Oklahoma to Oscar Ivan and Macie
(Farris) Pierce. She was raised and educated in Harmon County Oklahoma. She was a
proud graduate of the Ron school in 1945. After attending business college in Wichita
Falls, she discovered her true calling was in the classroom. For thirty-three years,
Shirley dedicated her life to shaping young minds, teaching sixteen years in Gould and
seventeen in Arnett. She was more than an educator; she was a mentor and a guiding
light who touched countless lives. One of her greatest joys in later years was the
opportunity to visit with her former students, each one a living testament to her lasting
legacy.
While she took great pride in her teaching career, Shirley's world truly revolved around
her family. She was the loyal wife of Kenneth Smith for sixty-one cherished years, and a
devoted mother to her sons. She found immense joy in cooking for others especially
while her boys were on harvest-meals of black-eyed peas and bologna sandwiches
were among their favorite. Her commitment to family knew no bounds, often caring for
her loved ones at the end of their lives, a final act of profound devotion.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the delight of her life. She treasured
moments spent with them, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
Shirley was also a woman of simple pleasures and strong passions. She spent
countless hours in God's word and journaling scriptures. She loved sports of all kinds,
from cheering on the Oklahoma Thunder to the OU Sooners and sometimes the OSU
Cowboys. In her later years, one of her favorite pastimes was taking long, leisurely rides
through the countryside with her three dearest friends.
Above all, Shirley was a woman of deep and abiding faith, who loved the Lord. This faith
was the foundation upon which she built her life of service, love, and strength.
Shirley was greeted in heaven by her beloved husband, Kenneth; her two sons, Harley
Ken and James Kirk; her grandson, Joshua Kirk; her parents; and many aunts, uncles,
and cousins she dearly loved.
Her beautiful spirit and memory live on in her son, Dean Smith of Hollis; her
grandchildren, Shanna Willis and her husband Justin, Tim Smith, Tadd Smith, Shane
Smith, Josh Martinez and his wife Julianne, George Martinez and his wife Cadie, and
Janay Riley and her husband Russell; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-
great-grandchildren who will forever remember her love.
Shirley Smith lived with faith in her heart, a strong belief in the Lord, love for her family,
and a legacy of service in her community. She will be deeply missed, but the lessons
she taught and the love she gave will continue on through those she loved.
A come and go visitation will be held at Harmon County Funeral Home in Hollis
Oklahoma on Friday, September 5, 2025 from noon to 6:00 P.M.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the First Baptist Church
of Hollis with Pastor Tim Tutten officiating and interment will follow at Fairmount
Cemetery and Hollis Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been interested into the care of Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma.