Individual Details
Shirley Sue Selby
(21 Jan 1937 - 1 Jun 2009)
The Flint Journal, Flint, Michigan, Wednesday, June 3, 2009: TOOMBS, Shirley Sue Selby -Age 72, passed away at her home in Clarksville, Arkansas on Monday afternoon, June 1, 2009. She was born and raised in Clarksville. Shirley moved to Flint, Michigan in 1955. It was there that she met Earl W. Toombs of Paragould, Arkansas. They were married in Flint on February 15, 1957 in a double wedding ceremony performed by Rev. George Domerese. Shirley and Earl returned to Clarksville after their retirement. While residing in Flint, Shirley worked in various settings including the Mill End Stores, Central Baptist Church, General Motors and later for attorney Thomas McCombs, Shirley was a Christian, baptized in Spadra Creek in Clarksville, AR. She was a member of East Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Clarksville and Central Baptist Church in Flint, MI where she served in various ministries over the years, including Children's Sunday School teacher, Women's Missionary Union and Church Secretary. She was active within her community in Flint, volunteering in her children's schools and extra curricular activities. Shirley served on the Hospital Auxiliary at Flint General Hospital and enjoyed assisting with local political campaigns. Throughout her life, she took great joy in entertaining friends and family and was always eager to set another place at the table for whoever happened to "drop by" at dinner time. She encouraged her children in their endeavors and always had a listening ear for friends and family of all ages. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Rob & Marie Selby. She leaves behind her husband of 52 years Earl W. Toombs. Her children, Tina and David Pelton (Draper, Utah), Robert Toombs (Flint, Michigan). Her grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Jeremy & Taylor Pelton (Draper, Utah), Rachel Toombs (Grand Blanc, Michigan) and Breeana Toombs ( Flint, Michigan). Beloved sister, Robbie Domerese (Flint, Michigan) and Robbie's children, Don (Sandi) Domerese, Gary (Kathy) Domerese and Freda Gregory. Husband's siblings, Mack (Patricia) Toombs, Gary Toombs and Faye (Willie) Williams. Many other nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart. Special friend Nancy Tomlin Adkins along with many other dear friends from over the years who she continued to keep in contact with right until the end. Special Thanks to the Arkansas Department of Health Hospice Staff, especially Dr. Jack Patterson, Teresa Qualls, RN, Theresa Jackson, LPN. Gayle Connor and the many aids who assisted Shirley. Each of you helped make her last months more comfortable, enjoyable and dignified. For this our family is extremely grateful. Viewing will be Thursday, June 4 at the Hardwicke Funeral Home in Clarksville. Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services are set for Friday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hardwicke Chapel. Graveside service to immediately follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Clarksville. Shirley was fond of saying to whoever would listen, "You'd better slow down and stop and smell the roses", the family would encourage you to take pause and do likewise, make time to tell the people you love how precious they are to you.
Events
Families
Spouse | Earl Wayne Toombs ( - ) |
Child | Christina Marie Toombs (1960 - ) |
Child | Robert Earl Toombs (1964 - ) |
Father | Robert H. Selby (1901 - 1986) |
Mother | Marie Fannie Bean (1907 - 1997) |
Sibling | Robbie Marie Selby (1926 - ) |
Endnotes
4. Research of LeEtta Cowan.
9. Research of LeEtta Cowan.
10. Obituary of Shirley Selby Toombs, The Flint Journal, Flint, Michigan, Wednesday, June 3, 2009.