Shirley Frances

Milleson

Shirley Frances Cope Milleson, age 83, of Jane, Missouri, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.  She entered this life on October 31, 1941, in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, to the union of the late Leo and Wilma (Blevins) Hudson.

Shirley's journey began in Arkansas but she spent the majority of her life on the family farm in Jane, Missouri. It was there that she cultivated a life full of joy and purpose. On a Christmas Day filled with love and promise in 1957, Shirley married James Cope, with whom she shared a life that brought forth three children. After James' passing on December 8, 1995, Shirley found love again and married William "Bill" Milleson on January 11, 1997, who also preceded her in death in 2019.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in her two children, Jamey Cope and his wife, Traci, of Pineville, and Janelle Snoderly and son-in-law, Larry, also of Pineville. Shirley's joy was multiplied with the birth of each of her three grandchildren, Rachel Meeker and her husband, Josh, Justin Cope and his wife, Tiffany, and Cody Cope and his girlfriend, Kendra Brown. Her seven great-grandchildren, Mason Stamps, Madison Meeker, Bailey Meeker, Ellie Meeker, Liam Cope, Kamryn Cope, and Graci Kraus, were the apples of her eye, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Shirley is also survived by her sister, Geraldine Hudson of Pineville; two sisters-in-law, Mary Cook of Rogers, Arkansas, and Connie Hudson of Pineville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly. Preceding her are her parents; both husbands; a daughter, Shirla Cope; two brothers, Olen Hudson and Allen Dewayne Hudson; and a sister, Sharlene Creason.

Shirley's professional life was as diverse as it was fulfilling. Besides being a devoted homemaker, she supported the education of children as a teacher's aide for the McDonald County School District. Her warm smile greeted many at Wal-Mart, and she served up joy as a waitress at the Bella Vista Country Club. Shirley also embraced the hard work and rewards of being a poultry farmer. Her dedication to her faith was evident through her longtime membership at Whittenburg Church.

Cooking was one of Shirley's many passions, and she was renowned for her culinary skills, which brought together family and friends for memorable meals. Her love for travel took her to places where she created lasting memories. A simple pleasure that Shirley enjoyed was dining at Neal's Cafe in Springdale, Arkansas, where she appreciated the local flavors and the company of loved ones.  Her family will carry forward the values she instilled in them, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have felt the warmth of her embrace.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024 in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes with the Cope family officiating.  Burial will follow at the Brush Creek Cemetery near Jane, Missouri.  Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Larry Snoderly, Mason Stamps, Justin Cope, Cody Cope, Josh Meeker and Chris Banks with Anthony and Warren Creason serving as honorary pallbearers.  The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Memorials are being directed to the Parkinson's Foundation c/o the funeral home.  Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.