Shirley Maxine (Coleman) Elliott

Shirley Maxine Elliott, nee Coleman, of Festus, MO, was born on Tuesday, March 12, 1929, in Steelville, MO, to Peter Henderson Coleman and Mayme Viola Coleman, nee Pinnell.  Shirley passed away at her home in Festus, MO, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the age of 96 years, 1 month and 15 days.

Shirley graduated from high school in Jennings, MO.  She married the love of her life, John Wesley Elliott, on December 5, 1948, at 1st Baptist Church of St. Johns in St. Louis, MO by Rev. James Shirley, and to this union four children were born. She added 2 daughters and "promoted" two son-in-laws to sons. She and her daughter, Carol, owned and operated Elliott Decorating, where they specialized in window treatments and design.  Design houses quickly learned to ask for her due to quality, looks and great price.  Shirley had accepted the Lord, was strong in her faith and was a previous member of West Florissant Baptist Church.  To know Shirley, was to love her…she was loved by every person she met.  She was a gracious and generous giver, yet never boasted.  She loved flowers and plants of all kinds, especially tulips and irises.  Most of all, Shirley loved her family.  She was most content being surrounded by all that she loved.  She taught her children how to live and how to die with love in their hearts and peace in their minds.  She said, “It is important to hold onto the joy no matter what, to forgive fully, to love each other always and to protect your heart.”  Shirley was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Mayme Coleman; husband, John W. Elliott; children, John Michael “Mike” Elliott and Carol Lynn Elliott; parents-in-law, Jesse and Fern Elliott; siblings, Millie (husband, Howard) Ulrich and Paul (wife, Ruth) Coleman; brothers-in-law, Jesse Elliott and Irl (wife, Dellie) Elliott; and nephew, Ross Coleman.

Shirley is survived by her loving children, Rebecca Elliott of Pevely, MO, Matt (wife, Marsha) Elliott of Elsah, IL, Dana Stokes (husband, Randolph) of Bixby, OK, Tammy Fadler of Pevely, MO, Steve Tetrault (wife, Lynn) and Craig Moore both of Festus, MO; son-in-law, John Sanford of St. Louis, MO; daughter-in-law, Sue Ann Elliott of St. Augustine, FL; sister-in-law, Sandy Elliott of NH, sister-in-law, Doris Elliott, Crystal City; 15 grandchildren: Leigh Tetrault of Crystal City, MO, Cydney Moore, Koen Lebreton  Colin Healey all of St. Louis, MO, Lindsey (husband, Daniel) Puyau, Justin (wife, Mandee) Elliott both of St. Augustine, FL, Natalie (husband, Dr. David) Hudson of Springfield, IL, Kristie (husband, Conner) Garrison of Durham, NC, Elliott (wife, Renee) Moore of Atlantic Beach, FL, Jesse Moore, Lucas Tetrault, Richie (wife, Sherri) Fadler and Ginny (husband, Cory) Gerstenschlager all of Festus, MO, Chase (wife, Erica) Healey of Tulsa, OK and Elizabeth (wife, Starr) Kunkelmann of Edmond, OK, Robin (Christian) Burns and Cody Russell; 26 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many other important loved ones.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Liberty Methodist Church in Steelville, MO with Rev. Spencer Hutson officiating.  Inurnment will immediately follow at Liberty Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to Liberty Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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