Shirley Jean Gregory

Shirley Jean (Follett) Gregory, 80, of Benton Harbor, passed away, November 24, 2016 at The Willows in St. Joseph, MI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, November 30, at 10:30 AM at First Assembly of God Church, 3084 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Tim Gunderson officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Shirley’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Shirley was born February 27, 1936 in Eldora, Iowa to Raymond and Floris (Ridout) Follett. As an Iowa farm girl, she would reminisce of a simpler time and her childhood home was later featured in the movie Twister. Growing up, she was a cheerleader, active in band, and won state competitions for playing trumpet. She began playing piano at age 3 and had a gift to play by ear. During high school, she played Taps for military funerals. Over her life, she sang at many local churches and other venues, including the Capital steps in Lansing, MI. She participated in many church programs, even writing and directing original programs. She was also a gifted artist who had an art gallery, did wedding planning, and decorated homes. Her art caused her to be selected to make an ornament for the White House Blue Room Christmas tree. Her talents knew no bounds. She was a charismatic individual who loved people; she lived a life of love and passion for the Lord, which she generously shared with those she met. She married Robert Gregory in Benton Harbor, MI on November 15, 1998. Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert; children Dale (Joyce) DeLong of Benton Harbor, MI, Denise DeLong of Bridgman, MI, and Darci Ocasio of Hanover, PA; grandchildren Nicolas DeLong, Kymberly (Armando) Hernandez, Sabrina (Mike) Poskey, Sarah Fonseca, Duane (Beth) Imler, and Raquel Ocasio; great-grandchildren Johannah, Aaron, and Emma Hernandez, Hudson Poskey, Kadence Fonseca, and Jack & Diana Lukkarila; sister Patricia (Anthony) Terrones; step-children Steven Gregory and Sandy Jo (Tom) Gregory; step-grandchild Jill Gregory; and step-great-grandchild Ethan Gregory. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Duoane DeLong; son-in-law Francisco Ocasio; grandchildren Dale and Nicole DeLong, and Cierra Ocasio; sister Joan Vaughn; and brother Jim Follett.