| Dorman, Shirley | |
| Birth: | 2-24-1947 |
| Death: | 10-17-2023 |
| Comments: | Double marker with Robert R. Dorman; m. 2-2-1979; children -- Kay, Renay, Larry, Emily; death date not engraved at time of survey |
| Burial: | Bodcaw No. 1 Cemetery |
| Notes: | Originally recorded in a survey on 11-17-2017 and updated on 10-18-2023. |
| Obituary: | Shirley Ann Dorman, age 76, passed away peacefully at Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, on the morning of October 17, 2023, after an extended illness. Shirley was born on February 24, 1947, in Pittsburg, Kansas, third child of four to Aubrey Ray and Eunice Marjorie Crews. She remained in Pittsburg for the early part of her life, graduating from Pittsburg High School and attending Pittsburg State University. Shirley moved to Hope, Arkansas, in 1974 where she eventually met her beloved husband of 35 years, Robert Dorman. Upon their marriage in 1979, Shirley moved to Bodcaw, Arkansas, where she remained a resident until shortly after Robert’s passing in 2014. During this time, Shirley attended Southern Arkansas University where she graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a homemaker and constant companion to Robert, assisting in his home construction business in various manners. She served as the bookkeeper for the local water system for several years, complimenting Robert’s efforts at repairing and maintaining local water lines. Shirley had a passion for ice cream matched only by that of her father and baby brother. Her primary hobby was riding shotgun with Robert on their many capers, most of which involved pranks targeting friend and family without regard to time or effort expended. Shirley moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, permanently in 2015. This allowed her to be closer to several of her grandchildren and son. She lived independently for several years, often returning to Hope and Bodcaw to visit family and friends. Eventually, she moved into Azalea Estates, an assisted living community in Shreveport, along with her four-legged companion, Zoe. Both she and Zoe were deeply loved by the residents and staff at Azalea. In particular, they both became dear, best friends with Lorrie Nunley, the facility’s Executive Director who was inclined to bribery with doggie treats. She loved her Azalea community, serving as Ms. Merry Christmas and Chairman of the Resident Council, with her service recognized via a Volunteer Excellence Award. In her youth, Shirley was a tremendous athlete. She led her fast pitch softball team to a Kansas state title in 1967. In the championship game, she pitched a no-hit shut out of the opposition. Shirley was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and to the state’s All-Star Team. She repeated as a state tournament All-Star in 1968. Shirley continued playing softball for several years transitioning to slow pitch and was highly regarded for her homerun-hitting power and prowess at short stops. As a member of the Double MM Western Store squad, she competed in the fierce rivalry with the Anderson Frazier Insurance team, both members of the Hope Women’s League at the time. Their matchups drew large local crowds with a passion somewhat unique to women’s sports in that era. During her time at Pittsburg High, she served as the student editor for the school newspaper and on the yearbook staff. She was a gifted writer, as anyone who received one of her many letters would attest. Shirley enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, gardening, and growing flowers. But it wasn’t until she had grandchildren that she discovered and grew into her best and highest talent in life – that of being “Gigi”. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them hunting, fishing, on four-wheeler rides, playing games, reading books, taking trips to the park, hosting sleepovers, attending their sporting events, and much, much more – Gigi did it all with them and loved every second of every experience. Her first question to their parents was always “how are the kids?” She was preceded in death by husband Robert Ray Dorman, parents Aubrey Ray and Eunice Marjorie Crews, brothers Aubrey Ray Crews, Junior, and Robert Lee Crew, grandson Jeffrey Tyler Harding, daughter Emily Ann Sorrells. Gigi is survived by her baby brother Steven Lynn Crews (wife Reta) of Carthage, Missouri, son Larry Wayne Little (and wife Terri) of Shreveport, Louisiana, daughter Kay Dorman Harding of Rockwall, Texas, and daughter Renay Dorman Brown (husband Perry) of Texarkana, Texas. Her most-beloved grandchildren: Chris Harding (along with greats, Gavin and Gabby) of Houston, Texas, Marissa Grigsby (along with greats, Olivia and Jude) of Wylie, Texas, Colton Cain of Farmerville, Louisiana, Taylor Cain of El Dorado, Arkansas, Jonathan Little of Ruston, Louisiana, Morgan Little of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jason Little of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, Trent Touchet of Shreveport and Ruston, Louisiana, Abby Touchet of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Sequin, Texas, and her four-legged companion of over 18 years, Zoe, who ranked in importance only slightly below, and arguably on par with, the status of grandchild. Nieces and nephews: Brad (wife Cathy) Crews of Olathe, Kansas, Doug (wife Susan) Crews of Overland Park, Kansas, Amy (husband John) Boothe of Overland Park, Kansas, Joel (wife Rachel) Crews of Olathe, Kansas, Debbie (husband Greg) Gallagher of Webb City, Kansas, Mike (wife Jill) Crews of Phoenix, Arizona, Aaron (wife Kristin) Crews of Junction City, Kansas, Anthony (wife Sabrina) Crews of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Tracey Whitley of Joplin, Missouri. The family expresses its deepest gratitude to Lorrie Nunley for the friendship and endless compassion and love shown by her, the staff, and family at Azalea Estates. She enjoyed the many years of her residency at Azalea. In her final days, she received amazing care, comfort, and love from the staff at Garden Park and the Lifepath Hospice team, all of whom worked tirelessly to attend to her needs. A celebration of her life will be held at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 20th with services following at 11:00. A brief graveside service to follow at Bodcaw No. 1 Baptist Church in Bodcaw, Arkansas with Bro. Tim Vines officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Brazzel Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. |
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