Shirley Partee

LIFE’S JOURNEY

Shirley Jean Partee

Shirley Jean Partee was born on March 4, 1929, in Winslow, Arizona, the beloved only child of David Wesley Harold and Floy Irene Coker. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on August 22, 2025, under the compassionate care of hospice.

As a young girl, Shirley delighted in visiting the local train station where her father worked as a self-taught electrician. She later attended Winslow High School, and with her natural determination and focus, went on completing her secretarial studies at Western School for Secretaries.

On April 2, 1954, Shirley married William Arthur Partee in Denver, Colorado. Together they built a family with two children: a daughter, Floy Vernetta “Cookie” Partee, and a son, Wendell David Partee. Shirley also embraced her role as stepmother to William’s daughter, Robrita Rowe, who now resides in Kansas City, Missouri. Known as a devoted and nurturing mother, Shirley poured her love and energy into raising her children, always striving to give them not only what they needed, but also a home filled with warmth, joy, and possibility.

Life carried Shirley forward, and on November 22, 1967, she married again to James Clyde Jones. They met while working at the Air Force Finance Center, and James would become not only a wonderful partner but also a caring stepfather to Shirley’s children.

Shirley’s professional career flourished at the Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) at Lowry Air Force Base, where she worked faithfully as a clerk typist and secretary for an extraordinary 42 years. Her dedication, skill, and commitment were recognized with numerous awards and honors at her retirement, a testament to the respect and admiration she earned from colleagues and friends alike.

Beyond her work and family, Shirley embraced life with joy and curiosity. She loved bowling, traveling, making ceramics, gardening, and working crossword puzzles. She was an avid collector, cherishing her more than 800 sets of salt and pepper shakers, as well as her southwestern art, turquoise and sterling silver jewelry. Music was another source of happiness for Shirley, and her favorite song, “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher” by Jackie Wilson, reflected the spirit she carried throughout her life. Those who knew her will forever remember her radiant smile and her unmistakable, infectious laugh that could brighten any room.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Floy (Cookie) Partee; her stepdaughter, Robrita; and her cherished grandchildren: Byron Pelcote (Wildwood, GA), Yonnie Langham (Folsom, CA), Marlene Langham (Independence, MO), Jerry Rowe, Jr. (Denver, CO), Eric Rowe (Kansas City, MO) and her cousin, Winnie Coker (Denver, CO). She is also lovingly remembered by her treasured “furry grandchild,” Jellybean. Shirley was blessed with lifelong friendships, including her dearest friends Tommie Reisner, Jerrie Carlock, and Grace Garrett, who each hold countless joyful memories and stories of their time together.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Center at Lowry, Home Instead, and Canyon Hospice, as well as to the dedicated caregivers Ursula Mehler and Yolanda Hankerson, whose compassion was a gift to both Shirley and her family. A special thanks is also given to Jerry Rowe, Jr. for his loving help and support, and to dear friends Jacqulyn Russell and Anne Weekley, whose kindness and care brought comfort during this time.

Shirley will be remembered for her laughter, her light, and her unwavering love for family and friends. Her life was a beautiful example of strength, devotion, and joy—and her memory will continue to lift us all, higher and higher.