Shirley Jean Cassity, 93, surrounded by her family, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Shirley was born in Purcell, Oklahoma, on October 5, 1931, the second child of Charley & Ruby (Chandler) Rose.
Shirley’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, warmth and dedication to her Savior Jesus Christ. In her journey through life, Mom’s efforts were unceasing for her family, church family, neighbors, friends and strangers. Although she has always been a beautiful woman, her greatest beauty came from within. She was a beautiful soul. She was always there to listen to you and help you with words of encouragement. She was a loving, sweet, happy, cheerful and outgoing person. She was also patient, persistent, determined and hard-working. She was definitely a role model.
Shirley was raised in the communities of Purcell and Maysville, as a young girl she worked at the family’s movie theater, The Rex in Maysville, selling tickets, working the concession stand and other duties associated with the theater.
On December 24, 1948, Shirley married the love of her life Jimmie Cassity in Purcell right before Jimmie left to join the Navy. In 1949 she graduated from Purcell High School and then joined Jimmie in California. Shortly thereafter they moved to Oklahoma City settling on the city’s southwest side where they raised their four children, Donna, Judy, Jimmy and Betty.
In Oklahoma City, Shirley worked for several years as a secretary for Dulaney’s Inc. then later for Clay-Baggett’s Pharmacy at the counter answering the phone and helping customers with their prescriptions.
In 1967 she began a career in Civil Service working at Tinker Air Force Base. While at Tinker she worked in the Medical Records department then challenged herself to learn computer skills and moved up to the Contract Division. She retired from Tinker after many years of faithful service.
After her retirement, she volunteered at Integris Southwest Medical Center working in the Gift Shop and popping corn for several decades.
During her entire adult life and while working full time, she tirelessly sewed clothing at night for the entire family, including doll clothes, numerous Halloween and other costumes, designer outfits and wedding gowns, most without patterns.
Shirley was an active member of Hillcrest now Oakcrest Church of Christ. At church she was involved in the ladies signing group, nursery, classrooms, children’s activities, Ladies Bible Class and Sewing Room.
Among her hobbies and interests, she was an avid reader, enjoyed working in her flower beds, painting, crocheting and creating all types of crafts.
Shirley was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend to many. She leaves loving memories with all those whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmie; daughter, Betty Palmer; son-in-law, Marvin Eaton; grandson, Kyle Sellmyer and sister, Janice Reeves.
She is survived by daughters, Donna Eaton and Judy Cassity-Sellmyer and her husband, Greg; son, Jimmy Cassity; grandchildren, Mike Eaton, Scot Eaton, Shawna and Charles Wash, Sabel and Jake Garcia, Jordan Palmer, Max and Conny Cassity, Rachel Sei and Amy Sellmyer and husband, Sworup; and great-grandchildren, Joey and Emma Wash, Amber Eaton, Niko Linn and Lorelei and Sabrina Cassity.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 12-8 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends from 2-4 p.m. at Vondel L. Smith & Sons Mortuary, 4000 S. W. 119th, Oklahoma City, OK 73173.
Services to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Oakcrest Church of Christ, 1111 S. W. 89th, Oklahoma City, OK 73139.
Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband Jimmie at the Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, Okla.
Memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to The Tipton Children’s Home, 1000 N. Broadway Ave, Tipton, OK 73570 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6601 N. Broadway Ext., Ste 120, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.