Shirley Ann Bever

Shirley Keese Bever, 81, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, received her final promotion to her eternal home on September 6, 2021 after a lengthy illness. She was born September 15, 1939 in Boynton, Oklahoma to William and Mary (Stetson) Epperson. Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. To be loved by Shirley was a blessing in that she loved deeply and loyally. Her most important love was for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom she served for many years. Shirley loved reading her Bible and studying the word of God. She worked to apply those teachings to her life and to share the good news with others. Shirley and Jim faithfully attended Christian Chapel. Being a mother and grandmother meant the world to Shirley. She spoke often of looking forward to heaven where she would be reunited with Courtney, her beloved granddaughter. She enjoyed 27 years of marriage to Jim Bever sharing life and making happy memories through the years. She was a hard worker her whole life working 33 years as an inspector at Brockway Glass. While raising her boys she often worked second jobs to make sure they were taken care of and would grow to be good, strong, hard-working men. Shirley loved keeping a clean home and manicured yard. She was an excellent cook for all the family holiday gatherings. One of her virtues was being a true friend. Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times”. For those blessed with her love and friendship life will always be richer and sweeter. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Epperson and Mary Stetson; granddaughter, Courtney Keese; brothers, Junior Epperson, Jack Epperson; and sisters, Louise Seabolt and Wilma Jean Epperson Shirley is survived by her husband, James; sons, Jimmy Allen Keese (Tammy), Lorence Edward Keese (Janice); stepdaughter, Kelly Jo Henzel (Ron); grandchildren, Brandie Boulter (Scott) Danielle Keese, Michael Keese (Autumn), Ryan Keese, Stephen Keese (McKinzey), Tanner Drummond; brother, Vernon Carl Epperson (Joyce); eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, special daughter-in-law, Roxanne Keese; lifelong best friends, Linda and Gary Sizemore and Mary Gilbert; and sister-in-law, Wilma Smith. Funeral service celebrating Shirley’s life will be 10AM, Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Cornerstone Funeral Home with Pastor Cecil Guthrie officiating. Pallbearers are: Michael Keese, Ryan Keese, Stephen Keese, Brian Epperson, Scott Boulter, Harley Lovelady and Michael Lovelady. A private family interment will take place at a later date. I CORINTHIANS 13:4-5 LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND. IT DOES NOT ENVY, IT DOES NOT BOAST. IT IS NOT PROUD. IT DOES NOT DISHONOR OTHERS, IT IS NOT SELF-SEEKING, IT IS NOT EASILY ANGERED, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.

Shirley Ann Bever

September 15, 1939 - September 6, 2021