Shirley Ann (Gilcrease) Tipton

Graveside services for Shirley Ann (Gilcrease) Tipton, 88, of Lone Grove, are scheduled for 3:00 P.M., Friday, February 7, 2025, at Crow Cemetery with Bro. Ben Hokanson officiating. Services are under the direction and care of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson. 

Shirley was born March 11, 1936, at Santa Fe, NM, to the late Mr. Dillard Samuel Gilcrease and Mrs. Kitty Elizabeth (Gay) Gilcrease. She departed this life Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at her home in Lone Grove.

 A woman of remarkable strength and compassion, Shirley’s journey began in the small town of Lamesa, where she attended school until her high school years. She graduated from Marietta High School and soon after married Mr. Leonard Ray Tipton in 1955, embracing the joy of motherhood with the blessing of four children. The Tipton family made their beloved home in Edmond, Oklahoma, where Shirley became an integral part of her community and devoted her life to her passion for nursing. She pursued further education in the field and achieved her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree, dedicating an impressive 25 years of service at Mercy Hospital. Shirley's caring nature and commitment to her patients left a lasting impact on all those she encountered during her nursing career.  After retiring, Shirley embraced the tranquility of country living. She found immense joy in feeding the birds and spending serene moments by the pond. Her love for animals was evident as she maintained a small petting zoo at her home, which provided endless happiness for her grandchildren until her later years when she could no longer tend to it. Among her cherished companions was her beloved pug, Miley, who brought her much joy and comfort.  Shirley Ann Tipton was a devoted mother and grandmother, whose love for her family was evident in all that she did. Her memory will be lovingly preserved in the hearts of those she touched throughout her life.

Preceding her in death are her parents; baby brother, D.C. Gilcrease; brother-in-law, Cecil Cole.

Survivors include her children, Michael Brent Tipton and wife Angela of Quinlan, TX, Alan Scott Tipton and wife Carrie of, Dia Gaye Lawrence and husband Steve, Jay Bentley Tipton and wife JoAnna, all of Lone Grove; sisters, Mary Kay Davis and husband Mike of McKinney, TX and Joan Cole of Indonesia; grandchildren, Jonathan Tipton and wife Amanda, Jason Tipton, Joshua Tipton and wife Crista, Heath Tipton and wife Stephanie, Donna Anderson and husband Melvin Mims, Ashli Eidson and husband Scott, Jerod Tipton and wife Lupe, and Jordin Lippel and husband Grant; 25 great grandchildren; numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Tipton, Joshua Tipton, Taylor Tipton, Heath Tipton, Nathan Eidson, and Jerod Tipton.

 Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. prior to the service on Friday, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.