Shirley Jeanne England Carlson was born on August 17, 1944 to Milton Wesley and Ora Lea (Griggs) England in Liberal, KS. She passed on February 10, 2025 in Elk City, OK at the age of 80 years, 5 months, and 24 days.

Shirley grew up in Goodwell OK. She attended Goodwell High School and graduated with the class of 1962. After high school, she attended Panhandle State University were she received a bachelors degree in Chemistry. She then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State and received a masters in microbiology. Shirley taught a number of science classes at Sayre Junior College and was remembered and loved by many of her students over the years. She moved on to work in the medical field as a microbiologist in the lab at Elk City Hospital. After this, she advanced to hospital administration until her retirement in 2012.

In her spare time, Shirley was an accomplished cake decorator, and was especially known for her apple pies. She loved children and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. Shirley had a special gift of making people feel welcomed and loved. She also had talents for playing the piano, crocheting, and painting.

She is preceded in death by her parents Milton and Ora Lea England.

Shirley is survived by her children Shawn Carlson and wife Susan of Berlin, OK, and Sheri Finn and husband Brian of Ellensburg, WA; grandchildren Cord and wife Andrea Carlson of Sweetwater, OK, Case Carlson of Stillwater, OK, Calder, Ailie and Evelyn Finn all of Ellensburg, WA; great grandson Callan Carlson of Sweetwater, OK; sisters Gayle Norton, Patt Howard, and Mary Dille; special nephews Monte and Matt Carlson; special niece Mandy Bryant; special friend Tony Gomez; extended family and a host of friends.

The family would like to thank the healthcare staff of Homestead Assisted Living and Elk City Nursing Home that took care of Shirley for all these years and treated her like family. They would also like to thank Comforting Hands Hospice for their care.