Shirley Ann Vickry, 79, left her temporary home for her permanent one May 18, 2018.
The daughter of Edgar L. “Pete” Bevis and Clara Fielder Bevis, she is survived by her brothers, Jim (Liu-Ing) Bevis and William (Adrianna) Bevis; children, Mike (Barbara) Cole, Pat (Bill) Tompkins, Jim Cole, Lynn Ferrell and Jeff (Gina) Cole; God-child, Mike (Sharon) Sims; grandchildren, Joshua Cole, Heaven Cole, Valery Cole, Christy Hood, Wendy Wise, Sarah (Shaun) Campbell, Stephanie (Jeremy) Rogers, Ashley Kelly, Kayla (Jason) Couringpon, David Cole, Jerrod Cole, Bridget Letson, Lily Cole and Katie White; great-grandchildren, Haley Hodge, Morgan Hodge, Hannah Campbell, Emma Campbell, Mathew Campbell, Dawson Rogers, Mary Rogers, William Wise, Johnny Reece, Lillian Kimbrough, Joshua Lynch, Emma Lynch, Arabella Green, Mackenzie Kelly and Caden Cole; great-great-grandchild, Sawyer Landers; and niece, Nikki Bevis.
Mama married young, suffered and sacrificed raising five kids under conditions that would have broken most women, but not our mom. She worked many jobs in her life, but her claim to fame was as a maternity nurse at ECM, where she helped deliver her first grandchild.
Her love of family was fierce. Independence and doing things her way was her driving force until the end. No matter how many bad decisions or tough life situations we faced, we had a safe haven. Nobody better mess with her family. How somebody could be that tough and love that much was amazing to watch.
Mama’s volunteer work was a joy in her life, almost as much as being “Tickle Nanny” to all her grandkids. Even in failing health, she worried about her siblings, kids, and extended family being okay. No worries, Mama, we learned from the best! Thanks for the love you shared to pass on down! You’ve earned your rest. We love you!
A celebration of her life will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Spry-Williams Funeral Home. Friends are welcome before and after the service to visit with family. Family will have a private service at a later date in Waterloo.
The family would like to give special thanks to ECM doctors and nurses in CTRU, lst floor and 6th floor Pallative Care, and especially the doctors and nurses at Davita with which she developed a special relationship. To all the home health staff, physical therapists, and anyone who had anything to do with patching her up and keeping her going over the years—Thank You!
You may leave condolences at sprywilliams.com
