Shirley Ann O'Dell

O'DELL, Shirley Ann, born on February 22, 1931 went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 26, 2011. Shirley spent most of her childhood in Deming, NM where she graduated with the outstanding Deming H.S. class of 1949. She completed a bachelor's degree in education at HSU in Abilene, TX where she was the leader of the cowgirl band, a cheerleader, and the first homecoming sweetheart. Shirley met her sweetheart, Melvin, in Deming, NM and they married in December of 1954. She taught middle school English and Spanish in Wilcox, AZ while completing her master's degree at NMWU. Shirley was a lover of southwest history and art and wrote her thesis on 'outlaws of the southwest'. In 1969, Shirley and Melvin moved to Flagstaff, AZ where Shirley continued to teach and was the first BSU director at NAU, as well as her many other activities with the 1st Southern Baptist Church. Shirley spent her final years in Tucson, AZ where she lived with her husband since 1985. A leader and devoted member of her church, she was a board member of the Arizona State Mission Board and the Home Mission Board, and has been honored by the Az. Southern Baptist Convention for her work. Shirley is preceded in death by her mother and father, Ruth and Russell Narmour. She is survived by her husband, Melvin O'Dell; her sister, Peggy Dean and her brother, Dr. Eugene Narmour. Shirley was loved by her family and friends and will be remembered for her sweet and loving spirit, out-going and witty nature, and her love for and devotion to her husband. We will miss you, Shirley. Memorial Services will be held at 22nd Street Baptist Church on Friday, March 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Contact Melvin at 490-3838 for any additional information.