Shirley Jean Eldridge

Shirley Jean Eldridge never had a present earthly father but always considered God her true Father. On April 16, 2019, she finally received the hug from her Heavenly Father that she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. 

 Shirley’s life started in rural Kentucky where her mom, Tempe Opal LaGore, died when Shirley was two years old. She then went to live with her grandmother who died when Shirley was five. The rest of her childhood was spent living with her aunt and uncle, Bill and Gladys Bowman.

 Even though her aunt and uncle had very little to share with their newly adopted child, they did their best with the resources they had. Shirley endured many hard times throughout her childhood, but she never lost hope.

 During her difficult childhood, Shirley realized that even though she did not have an earthly father, she did have a Heavenly Father. In the Bible, Shirley read that God was her Father, and she became reliant on the promise that He would comfort and protect her no matter what situation she found herself. 

 Shirley’s first break came after graduating from high school when she chose Baptist Bible College to further her education. College was paid for by her church since Shirley could not afford to attend on her own. This generosity provided her not only a higher education, but also a brighter future.

 During college, she made a huge impact on her future husband, H. Leroy Eldridge, with her beauty and spirit when she stunned him one day as she walked into the cafeteria. From the first moment Leroy saw her, he was hooked and convinced that this was the girl he would marry. 

 Shirley and Leroy were engaged on July 4, 1964 and were married on January 1, 1965. They were married for an amazing 55 years, and their marriage was full of love to each other and service to ministry and missions.

 Shirley‘s professional accomplishments were many, including serving as a primary and secondary school principal; director of education for Life Saver Ministries (a non-profit for un-wed mothers); kindergarten and elementary teacher; director of the Liberty Baptist Church Day Care Center; and support counselor to many families. 

 Shirley traveled the world in support of missions work, which included Israel, Greece, Mexico, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, and Canada.  She inspired many pastor’s wives throughout the world to dedicate their lives to others as she had.

 One of her greatest accomplishments was the raising of four boys: Jonathan, Daniel, Peter, and Joshua. From her humble beginnings, she inspired them to believe anything was possible, and they took those wise words to heart. Leadership, inventions, authors, masters, doctorates, ministry, missions, and military service are a few of her aspirations that they have fulfilled.

 Her dreams and desires for her family have continued to grow to a whole new generation of grandchildren: Jordan, Alexandria, Zachary, Micah, Jacob, Abigail, Katie, Drew, M.J., Amanda, Brooklyn, Cannon, Savannah, Mckinnley, Uriah, Breezy, Elijah, and namesake Shirlee. 

 Shirley took great pleasure in playing games and talking with her grandchildren. “Grammy, will you play a game with us?” was a favorite with every grandchild, and even when tired, she played. She loved her grandchildren, and her grandchildren loved her.

 Today, we celebrate Shirley’s amazing life, and we salute her service and love to those both here and throughout the world. 

 On April 16, 2019, when she met her Heavenly Father for the first time, His welcome was, “Well done my good and faithful daughter.” Shirley finally received the hug that she had longed for since childhood.

 In lieu of flowers, please honor Shirley’s memory with a donation to OTAN Missions Ministries, where she spent time bringing Jesus to Asian Nationals. www.otan.org, select the Give area, and specify Shirley’s gift.

 The family will receive friends Saturday April 20, 2019 from 1 –2 pm followed by the funeral at 2 pm both at Temple Baptist Church in Titusville.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com

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