PENDLETON, INDIANA
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gloria Brand Shirley, on February 13, 2024. Gloria was surrounded by her family in her home. She was born February 25, 1956, in Muncie IN.
Mrs. Brand, Gloria’s mother said that growing up she was a tomboy; but one wouldn’t have known that to see her leading her Muncie Southside High School Cheer Squad Class of 1975, as she was competing in numerous roller-skating competitions or as she was always making sure not a single hair was out of place, not even in the wind and rain. However, one was given a glimpse when she would tell the story of the first car, she bought that had “Cragar Wheels”.
Raising her three children, taking them to and from their sporting events and other activities was something she absolutely loved. She often shared memories of spending countless hours boating with her family and later in life, spending time with her grandchildren.
Not only was Gloria a devoted mother, she worked full-time as an Office Manager for Marsh Supermarkets in Muncie. She transferred to Pendleton temporarily, several years later to get the Pendleton store up and going; but that became her permanent store. The transfer to Pendleton allowed her path to cross with Dr Phillip Shirley who she started dating 17yrs ago and married April 23, 2019.
It wasn’t uncommon to see dressed to the nines for a formal event at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday evening and on the following Sunday afternoon on her tractor pulling her wagon full of logs through the classified wildlife habitat, preserved and maintained by her and “Doc”! She enjoyed walking along nature trails with Doc, communing with God and truly enjoying the peaceful serenity. One of her most favorite things to do in the woods, was to cook her famous “Hobo Stew” in a black caldron over an open fire; while the friends she was entertaining picked on guitars and sang at “The Shack”. Gloria was simply a city girl who became a lovely farm girl.
Gloria had a passion for maintaining her garden of roses, creating the most beautiful flower arrangements for the patio of their home or to be taken to the cemetery for loved ones. But Gloria’s greatest hobby was training and playing with four Border Collies. She loved them and they returned that love to her.
Gloria is survived by her husband Dr. Phillip Shirley, Son Jon, daughters Taryn (Neil), Nicole and bonus daughter Dinah (Chris), mother Joyce, brother Bryan (Betty) and their children, sister Shawna (Mark), grandsons Devyn (Carlie), Mayson, Jonathon and Austin, and granddaughter Morghan.
She is preceded in death by her father Phillip Brand, first husband Terry Tarr, granddaughter Anna and grandson Coleton.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm Friday February 16, 2024, at Huntsville Good Shepherd Church 3126 Market St. Pendleton, IN 46064: Pastor Claude Creel officiating. Visitation will be from 1pm-2pm.
A second funeral service will be held at 12pm Saturday February 17, 2024, at Union Chapel 4622 N. Broadway Ave., Muncie, IN 47303; Pastor Claude Creel officiating. Visitation will be from 11am-12pm. Graveside services will take place at Elm Ridge Cemetery in Muncie, immediately following. A dinner will be held for family and friends at the conclusion of graveside services at Union Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, Remembrances can be made to the “Love Like Anna Did” Anna Robertson Memorial Fund through South Madison Community Foundation 233 S. Main St. Pendleton, IN 46064
The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, 415 E. Washington Street, Muncie, IN 47305 will handle arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com
