Obituary: Shirley Jean Agee
Shirley Jean Agee, beloved cook and devoted family matriarch, passed away peacefully at her home in Middleton on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on March 16, 1940, in Pope, Mississippi, Shirley lived a life rich with love, faith, and cherished memories.
From her early days, Shirley was known for her warm heart and incredible culinary skills. She dedicated much of her life to cooking for Inland Marines, where she honed her craft and nurtured those around her with hearty meals and endless love. Tragically, her life took a different path in 1995 when she became disabled after her beloved husband, Bob J. Agee, Sr., suffered a heart attack on the boat where they spent countless moments working together.
Shirley was a woman of deep faith, a Baptist who found solace and strength in her beliefs. Her greatest joy came from her family. She revelled in spending time with them, often gathered together for fishing trips, spirited board games, or simply watching game shows while her grandbabies played nearby. Traveling brought her happiness, as did cooking big meals that filled her home with warmth and laughter.
Shirley is survived by her devoted daughters, Carolyn Cruse and Patricia McQueen (Steve), both of Middleton; her loving sons, Ron Ivy of Middleton, James Wall (Judy) of Pearsall, Texas, Mike Ivy (Rhonda) of Middleton, Monroe Agee of Bolivar, and Loren Agee (Stacy) of Saulsbury. She was a proud grandmother to 25 grandchildren, and a cherished great grandmother to 33 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of her spirit and warmth within them.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Watt and Lilly Mae Ware; her husband Bob J. Agee, Sr.; and her sons Billy Joe Ivy and Bobby Joe Agee. Her loving sisters—Fairmae Darby, Karen Hudson, and Jo Ann Cash—and brothers Lonnie Ware, Waverly Ware, J.W. Ware, Wayne Ware, Dave Ware, and Edd Ware have also welcomed her back into their arms.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life and legacy on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Middleton. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. She will then be laid to rest at the Ramer Cemetery in Saulsbury, where she will find her eternal peace.
In reflecting upon Shirley’s life, one is reminded of her unwavering love for family and her warm, radiant spirit. She will be profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, yet her legacy of love, laughter, and joy will forever endure in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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