Shirley Ann Cunningham-Tillman

Shirley Cunningham-Tillman died on October 6, 2011, at the age of 76. She passed away just as her family knows she would have wanted: at home, unexpectedly, and without fuss or fanfare.

Shirley was born in Garvin County, Oklahoma, on September 21, 1935. She played basketball for and was a proud graduate of Cox City High School. She continued her education at East Central University in Ada, where she earned a Bachelors degree; later she would go on to earn a Masters degree in Education. A life-long learner and educator, Shirley served as a K-12 teacher in several school systems across the country, before working as a professor at Barstow Community College, in California, where she retired. After retirement, Shirley moved back to her home state of Oklahoma. She continued to pursue her education, attending courses in floral arranging and eventually becoming licensed as a travel agent and nail technician. She enjoyed sewing and watching sports on television, especially OU football.

She moved to Claremore in 2004 to live closer to her daughter, Carole’s, family. During her life in Claremore, her favorite activities included caring for her grandsons, socializing at Dot’s Café, and attending services at North Park Trinity Baptist Church.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Karen Kuzanek, of Overland Park, Kansas; her son-in-law and daughter Senator Sean and Carole Burrage of Claremore, Oklahoma; and her grandchildren Amanda Baird, Meredith Kuzanek, Matthew Kuzanek, Truman Burrage, and Carter Burrage. She is also survived by her great-grandchild, Gavin Baird, and her sister, Celesta Ince, of Lindsay, OK. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Homer & Bernice Cunningham, and her brother Billy Gene Cunningham.

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., Shirley will be laid to rest next to her parents and brother in a graveside service at Erin Springs Cemetery in Lindsay, OK. Funeral arrangements are being provided by Musgrove, Merriott, Smith Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Oklahoma, In Memoriam of Shirley Cunningham-Tillman, 6465 South Yale, Suite 423, Tulsa, OK 74136.