Shirley Jean (Kennedy) Curran

Shirley Jean Curran, daughter of the late Edward and Avis (Jarrett) Kennedy, was born on February 22, 1949 in Wright County, Missouri, and departed this life on December 10, 2007 in the St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri, following a long illness. She was 58 years, 9 months, and 16 days of age.
Shirley grew up in Wright County and attended Mtn. Grove School. At the age of sixteen, Shirley had heart surgery and complication from the surgery left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. She made the best of her life and enjoyed visiting with her friends and spending time with her family. She was a very devoted wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Shirley made her home in the Huntsville, Missouri area for several years. She was united in marriage to Kenton Wells Curran, her longtime friend, on September 15, 2001 in Mtn. Grove, Missouri. They made their home south of Mtn. Grove. Mr. Curran passed away on October 8, 2001.
Shirley enjoyed doing cross-stitch, crossword puzzles, embroidery work and quilting. She lovingly made quilts for her family and friends over the years. She loved all kinds of animals especially horses, dogs and cats.
Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother: Jimmy Kennedy; and by a sister: Carolyn Kennedy.
She is survived by one brother: Charles Kennedy and his wife, Ruby, of Mtn. Grove; one sister: Marjorie Tooley and her husband, Bobby, of Hartville, Missouri; nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends who will sadly miss her.
Funeral services for Shirley Curran were held Thursday, December 13, 2007, 10:00 Am in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Rev. Bob Miller officiating. Bob and Susie Miller sang “Precious Memories,” and “Old Rugged Cross.” Other song selection played was “When I get Where I’m Going.” Pallbearers were Bobby Kennedy, Charles Kennedy, Chris Hensley, Jason Kennedy, Eric Todd and Derek Sawyers. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.
FOOTPRINTS
One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the LORD about it. “LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times of my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”
The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”


Funeral Services:
Thursday, December 13, 2007, 10:00 AM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.
Visitation:
Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the chapel.
Burial:
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
In lieu of flowers/contributions to:
American Heart Association