Shirley K. Paul, 77, of Alexandria, VA, passed away on April 16th, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Shirley was born on January 11, 1947, to Ada Ruth and O.A. Haverstick in Moberly, MO. After graduating from Fulton (MO) High School in 1964, Shirley attended The Kansas City Art Institute for Graphic Design for one year and married shortly before having her only child, Todd in 1966. After the birth of her son, she attended William Woods College in Fulton, MO for two years and then moved to Silver Spring, MD with her husband and son After her divorce in 1973, she and her son moved back to Columbia, MO.
In 1974, she met Terry L. Paul, and they wed in 1975, in Columbia, MO. Shirley then started her own part-time graphic design business. In the late 70’s and early 80’s Shirley was employed by McGraw-Edison as a graphic designer and then in the mid 80’s, Shirley moved with her family to the Washington, DC metro area where Shirley entered the world of Property Management, which she would continue in until her death.
After her divorce in 1994, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. Shirley was a constant and supportive presence in her son, Todd’s life. She was a constant cheerleader and supporter, whether it was attending and cheering on his theatrical endeavors or supporting him in his role as a singer in The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, of which she also became a valued non-singing member.
Shirley was a passionate member of the Board of Metro DC PFLAG when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, inviting all to her many huge holiday celebration dinners that she held. Whenever she met someone, instead of shaking their hands, she would pull them into a big hug and say “I’m a hugger” instantly drawing that person into her loving orbit.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Ada Ruth and O.A. Haverstick and ex-husband, Terry. She is survived by her son, Todd Paul of Washington, DC, her sister and brother in-law Ruth Ann and Philip McAtee of Columbia, MO, as well as her niece, Melanie McAtee Briggs and nephew Jeffrey McAtee both of Olathe, KS and many, many, MANY friends.
In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made in her name to The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC at gmcw.org. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on June 22, 2024.
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