Shirley Cooper Neill

Shirley is survived by her sons Jim (Libby) and Brian (Jenny). Grandchildren Jennifer Dwzonkowsi (Tee), Ben Neill (Sally), Molly Steppick (Will), Christy Neill and Cooper Neill. Seven Great Grandchildren Laura and Frances Dzwonkowski, Brantley, Elizabeth, Lucy and Kate Neill and Wiley Steppick. Her sister-in-law JoAnn Neill Jones and Nephew Neill Jones ( Michelle). Her niece Donna Moore Terry.

Shirley is preceded in Death by her husband Charles Robert (Bob) Neill, Her father James Wiley Cooper and Mother Ollie Moore Cooper, her Brother Gary Cooper and nephew Tim Cooper.

Shirley was born on November 20, 1936, in the Massey community in Morgan County, Alabama. Her childhood was spent working on the family farm raising cotton, corn, cattle, and dairy cows. She attended Falkville High School and Florence Teachers College, now University of North Alabama. She grew up attending McKendree Methodist Church. After college she worked in the Administration office at Chemstrand. She met her future husband Bob Neill at a cookout at a friend's house. They were married in 1959. They had two children, James Roland Neill and Brian Cooper Neill. In 1968 She bought and operated Sam Frank and Moore a gift shop and bridal registry store on Bank Street in Decatur. In 1973 they also purchased Grey’s Fashion Wear and changed the name to Olde Towne Shop, a lady’s ready to wear store on Bank Street. Shirley and her sister-in-law Joy Moore operated the lady’s dress shop together. They eventually sold the stores so that Shirley could travel with Bob in his role as Housing Authority Director. Shirley was named Woman of the Year for the Alabama Business Women’s Association. She was Vice President and Secretary for the Decatur Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Pilot Club of Decatur. She was also a member of the Decatur Charity League and volunteered with PACT (Parents and Children Together).

Shirley was a member of Ninth Street United Methodist Church and later The Church at Stone River.

Roselawn Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial can be made to The Church at Stone River, The Neighborhood Christian Center or a local charity of your choice.