She was born in Oklahoma City to James D. and Ruth (Todd) Silvernail. She attended Cleveland Elementary, Taft Jr. High, and “old” Classen, where she loved playing her clarinet in the band.
She was married to and in love with Ronald E. Fine from 1951 until his death in 1970. After being a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, she then took over the company he left behind. Back then, she said, most men didn’t want to do business with a woman, but she hung in there, even fighting off some who tried to steal the business from her. That company is still going today.
Shirley was a member of Northwest Baptist Church from childhood, and later moved with her family to Trinity Baptist, where she was Nursery Coordinator.
In the ’50s, she joined the brand-new OK City Chorus of Sweet Adelines International and embarked on a grand adventure of friendship, fun, and four-part harmony. She’ll receive her 60-year pin this summer.
She was a strong, loving, and loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She attended countless kids’ ballgames, plays, and recitals, and she marched at the State Capitol for the Equal Rights Amendment. She sewed beautifully, did needlepoint, and built stage props for the Chorus.
Physically, she was tiny. But in protecting and caring for her loved ones, she stood tall. And what she’ll be remembered for most is that rock-solid loyalty and unconditional love.
Shirley leaves behind her children, Rebecca, Judy, Ronald (wife, Diana), and Richard; five grandchildren and three grands-in-law; four great-grandchildren; her brother, Phil Silvernail (wife, Janice); six nieces and nephews; her sisters- and brothers-in-law, Arlene (Fine) and Breck Combs and Jerry and Marilyn Fine; plus many beloved friends.
A service to appreciate and celebrate Shirley will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 9, 2018, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 8701 Northwest Expressway, reception immediately following. Friends may leave the family condolences, memories, and Shirley stories at www.ChapelHill-OKC.com
