Libba Shirley peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, April 1, 2017.

Libba was born in Montgomery, Alabama, January 8, 1932, to Richard and Rosalie Adams. She lived in Montgomery during her childhood, teenage, and young adult years where she developed an intense love for all things "southern."

She married Gene Shirley in 1950, and they continued to live in Montgomery where their four children were born. After several job transfers the family settled in Springfield, Missouri in 1973, where Libba began her 43-year successful real estate career. Helping people and families find their home was Libba's passion.

Libba was a devoted Christian and loyal member of St. James Episcopal Church. Libba's church family has always been an integral part of her life. She also fondly spoke of her church family, Church of the Ascension, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Libba will always be remembered for her southern charm and grace. Many in her family lovingly referred to her as "Pollyanna," because of her truly positive outlook on life and her resilience even in the face of the many hardships she encountered.

Her greatest love in life was her family. Each person was cherished, valued, and "precious." She left an unending legacy of love for family and southern hospitality in each life. She will always be treasured and remembered in all of her family's hearts.

Libba was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Rosalie Adams; her husband, Gene Shirley; her daughter, Betsy Abel; and granddaughter, Laura Chambers.

She is survived by her sons, Joe Shirley and wife, Judy, of Kansas City, Missouri and Clay Shirley and wife, Ronda, of Strafford, Missouri; her daughter, Jeanne Frazier and husband, John, of Petersburg, Illinois; her grandchildren, Sarah Sallie and husband, Nate, Brent Chambers and wife, Shannon, Joe Shirley II and wife, Carolina, Bethany Martin and husband, Chris, Rachel Hill and Carlos Hill, Brittani Sipple; great-grandchildren, Morgyn, Jack, Lola, Theo, Franklin, Barrett, Zion, Haddie, Gabe, Carter, Jaylah, and Gavin. Libba is also survived by her brother, Richard Adams and wife, Pat, of Knoxville, Tennessee; niece, Laura Johnson; and nephew, Rich Adams.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at St. James Episcopal Church, 2645 E. Southern Hills Blvd, Springfield, MO 65804.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church.

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