Shirley A Balfour

Our mom, Shirley Balfour (nee Cook), was welcomed into her eternal home by her Creator. Following a brief illness, she died on Thursday, Dec. 5,2024. We give thanks for her extraordinary life, which pointed many of us to Jesus.

Born April 13, 1935, to Carl and Mary Cook in Nashville, Tennessee, she would eventually meet a young Army soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on a blind double date. A first kiss on this first date sealed the deal for a second date. Three years of dating allowed this man from Weymouth, Massachusetts, to fulfill his military commitment. On September 14, 1956, Wyman Balfour and Shirley Cook married in Nashville, Tennessee.

They would have three children and live most of their lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where they were active Forest Hills Churc hof Christ members. Mom was a homemaker and created spaces of welcome, learning, and beauty in her home, where we thrived. She was involved in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, book clubs, home sales parties, teaching Bible classes to all ages, and hosting numerous groups in the home she loved. Mom opened her life and home to her husband’s two sisters, even as she was raising three small kiddos.

At the age of forty-two, she went to nursing school, where she became an LPN in Obstetrics at University Hospital. A career spanning over twenty-five years allowed her to learn under the tutelage of Drs. Mike Gyves, Method Duchon, and Sheila Connery in Ob/Gyn. She was surrounded by her beloved MacDonald House co-workers, whom she loved as family. Additional special co-workers in private practice were her friends Elaine and Donna. These were years of rich fulfillment and confidence building as she helped to mentor a younger generation and help bring hundreds of babies into this world. Her calm demeanor, coupled with her own experience as a wife and mother, provided a space for others to feel heard, seen, and valued. We were proud to watch her soar in her abilities, for she had an impact on all of us.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wyman Balfour, as well as her parents. Those still living include her children; Beth Standridge (Stan), Keith Balfour, and Suzanne Gwin (Kevin). She loved her sons-in-law with genuineness and honor. Grandchildren, her pride and joy, were Joshua, Luke, Benjamin (Mary), Micah (Heather), and Jacob Reeves, as well as Austin(Megan), Landry (Josi), Reese (Madison), Canaan, and Bode Gwin. Grandchildren through marriage include Megan Standridge and Emily (Josh) Baker. Her great-grandchildren, June, Clark, Lizzie, Savannah, Steele, Ruthie, William, and Shepherd, will get to hear stories of this woman who prayed for them through the years. Her sisters, Carolyn and Katherine, and a brother, Tommy, also remain, as do many nieces and nephews.

Her faith community held a plethora of friends. Special friends include: Mike Gyves, Jennifer Draper, and Brent Reeves. Her best friend, Margaret Draper, was her confidant, adventure buddy, and long-time soul sister. Margaret, we will love you forever.

A favorite saying of hers is “Give your flowers to the living,” which she lived out all her days as she showered others in encouragement and affirmation. We will miss this mom of ours who asked a ton of questions, was highly intelligent, sacrificed so others could have, and made home a happy place, shaping each of us into better people.

ARRANGEMENTS BY MAHER-MELBOURNE FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHEAST OHIO www.MaherMelbourne.com