As a native of Blytheville, Arkansas, Shirley attended and graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a cheerleader, and played clarinet in the high school band. She relocated to Kansas City in 1969 and began her professional career at Continental Grain. Upon leaving Continental Grain, she went to work for the Missouri Department of Revenue as a Tax Auditor and retired as a Supervising Tax Auditor after 30 years of service.
On June 2, 1970, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Robert Clark. This union flourished for 53 years and a daughter, Cabrenna, and a son, Zeric, were born. Omekia King was adopted into the family as her daughter/niece. She was baptized as a member of Linwood SDA Temple in 1981, where she was a member of the Hospitality Committee, an Usher, Head Greeter, and a member of the Women Ministry and Outreach.
Shirley is survived by three brothers; Edward Houston (Sheila) Kansas City, MO, Richard Houston (Edna) Sikeston, MO, Robert Houston, Jefferson City, MO; three sisters, Freddie Fisher, Chicago, Il, Louise Hune (Raymond) Jefferson City, MO, Barbara Williams (Curtis), Norfolk, VA, and a sister-in-law, Vivian Ervin, Olathe, KS; three grandchildren, Breanna Clark, Jordan Clark, Zoey Clark, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Beatrice Houston, a brother, John Ervin, and a sister, Yvonne Houston.
She is fondly remembered as “Mommy”, “Mom”, “Auntie”, “Sister/Sister”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Shirley/Pearlie”, “Granny Shirley”, and “Granny”.
Contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to Sarah Cannon Fund at the American Cancer Society, 1100 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd. Suite 800, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.
