Shirley Ann Callahan

Shirley Ann (Hawkins) Callahan, 88, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away on October 21, 2024. 

Shirley was born to James and Erma (Cooper) Hawkins on October 9, 1936, in Kansas City, Kansas. She was named “Shirley Temple” by her older sisters. Her mom was on board with Shirley, but chose Ann as her middle name. Shirley attended Washington High School. When she was a teenager, she loved singing in church and school, she also worked at the soda shop. She met the love of her life, Leslie (Les) Callahan at a house party she threw while her parents were gone. Les joined the Marines and they began dating and sending letters to each other, always SWAK. She received a patriarchal blessing in her late teens in which she would be the mother of several. Shirley and Les married April 5, 1957. They were together for over 67 years and built a beautiful life. During this time they had two children, 4 foster children, 20 babies awaiting adoption, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren fulfilling her blessing.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James and Erma; her sisters and their spouses, Sarah and Charles Tharp, Sylva and George Jenkins; and her younger brothers, James Hawkins and Donald Hawkins; and her great granddaughter Lydia Elaine Clay.

She is survived by her husband, Les; her son, Stuart Callahan; daughter, Susan (Edward) Doyle; granddaughter, Emily (Arin) O'Connor; grandson, Joseph Callahan; granddaughter, Liliana Callahan; great grandchildren, Kian and Evelyn O'Connor; and sisters-in-law’s Patricia Hawkins and Sherry Hawkins.

Her passion was caring for her family and community. Shirley was an Elder in the Community of Christ Church. She was President of Church Women United and was honored as woman of the year. She enjoyed volunteering at the nursing home and helping others when she could. Shirley cared for several family members and also cared for her 3 grandchildren and formed a special bond with them. She was the glue that held her family together. She will forever be missed. 

Services will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home at the Lakeside Chapel Friday, October 25th, with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Followed by the funeral service.