Shirley Fern Cunningham was born December 4, 1929 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Glen and Faye Cunningham. Shirley departed this life on February 7, 2012 at the Vici Nursing Home. She was 82 years old.

Before the age of two, Shirley returned with her parents to the Vici area. At that time Shirley contracted spinal meningitis. This illness left her deaf and blind, however her eye sight returned over time.

When Shirley turned ten, her parents enrolled her in the School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Howard Bentley and Marlene Logan were also attending the school at the same time. Due to the war and the rationing of gasoline, the families were able to share in the transportation cost going to and from Sulphur. Other friends in the community would also help take the kids back and forth Dave Boyd is fondly remembered as a driver because he had a heater in his car. Shirley looked forward to vacation time, as she became very homesick. Often when it was time to return she would hide in the closet, not wanting to return to school. During the summer, Arta McCracken would make Shirley's school clothes while Shirley and her sisters would clean house for Arte. When going through Shirley's mementos, it was discovered that she had been very active in the school's social functions. She attended the Church for the Deaf at Sulphur and to this day still has the Bible they presented to her as a gift at her graduation. Shirley graduated from the School of the Deaf when she was 22 years old. After graduation she returned home to live with her parents.

Shirley continued to live with her folks until their passing. She was able to remain in the home for a little over two years after her mom died. Due to health reasons, on March 3, 2003, Shirley moved into the Vici Nursing Home. She was happy in her new home and enjoyed the people and all the activities including, crafts, Bible study, Church, bingo and all the parties. She even helped them shuck their corn. The staff at the nursing home was wonderful to Shirley giving her big hugs and kisses. They filled a precious need in Shirley's life due to her lonesomeness after her mom's death. The family worked hard to meet all her needs, but felt it better for Shirley to have the constant care the nursing home could give.

Over the years she spent many hours working with her mom doing ceramics, making flower arrangements for the Senior Citizen Center as well as for other family and friends. She liked to help the kitchen staff at lunchtime, pouring drinks and setting the table. She received several awards for her volunteer work at the center.

Shirley always loved having the nieces and nephews come to the house after school and enjoyed attending all their school activities. Leona Krows was a very good friend to Shirley. She took Shirley with her to Branson, Missouri – they had a great time. Aunt Lois had a special relationship with Shirley and took her many places. Her dad always took time to play checkers and dominoes with her.

Shirley's faith in God never wavered and she always made the effort to be at church when she was able. She loved her church family and enjoyed their visits after moving to the nursing home.

Shirley's handicap taught her family to be more tolerant of people who were different. She was not aware of this, but God knew.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Faye Cunningham and sister, Glendene Canning. She is survived by sisters, Joan Ladd and husband Jerry of Vici, Oklahoma and Alicia Wemmer and husband, Bob of Colorado Springs, Colorado; by brother, Gerald Cunningham and wife Lola of Vici, Oklahoma; by many nieces, nephews, other family and a lifetime of friends.

Even in her silent world Shirley received many pleasures in life. She is home at last with her mom and dad. There will be no more lonely, silent days and nights for she has now been made whole and well. She can now hear voices and laughter. She can talk and hear the Angels singing and rejoicing in Heaven.

Memorial's may be made in to Vici Nursing Home, c/o Shaw Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Vici, Oklahoma 73859.