Obituary of Shirley Jean Freiberg

Shirley Jean Shackelford was born in Speedwell, Tennessee on November 21, 1937 to Lester and Ottle Lee (England) Shackelford. As a young girl, Shirley traveled between Michigan and Tennessee with her father. She obtained her GED from Monroe Public Schools. On June 22, 1980 Shirley was joined in marriage to Dennis “Denny” Freiberg. Before retiring, she was employed in the deli department of the Meijer store in Monroe, Michigan. Shirley previously worked as a clerk at Lawson’s convenience store, as a cab driver, and as a nurse’s aide at various nursing homes in the Monroe area.

A social person, Shirley’s employment allowed her to meet and converse with many people. She never met a stranger and everyone quickly grew to love her. Always out and about, Shirley kept the roads hot with her Shih Tzu Kisha by her side. For many years she participated in a Tuesday morning coffee league at the bowling alley alongside her daughter. Shirley spent her time when at home playing Nintendo, perusing through catalogs and online shopping. Frequent deliveries included shoes and boots, cute stuffed animals, and Avon cosmetics. More than anything else, Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The quintessential mother figure, she cared deeply for all children and even kids who couldn’t claim a biological relation affectionately called her “Mom”.

Shirley Jean Freiberg, age 84, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her parents; husband: Denny Freiberg; son: Michael Boyd Evans; sister: Glenda “Sue” Hall; brother: Johnny Shackelford; and former spouse: Carson Evans whom she wed on July 1, 1953.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons: Eddie Evans, Danny Joe Evans, and Larry (Barbara) Evans; daughters: Sharon (Andre) Laurain and Karen Spears; daughter in-law: Cheryl Lynn Evans; grandchildren: Juston, Tara, Danny, Ashley, Cory, Misty, Kristy, Jamie, Alicia, Alyssa, and Amber; twenty-eight great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.   

Shirley’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

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