Shirley Ann Castle

Shirley Castle, 64, of Raytown, Missouri, passed away on September 29, 2020. A funeral service will be held on October 9, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, Raytown, Missouri. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 A.M. To stream Shirley’s funeral service please click here Shirley Castle Streaming Service

Shirley Ann Castle, also known as “Big Sister All Mighty” to her siblings, was born on March 6, 1956 to the union of James and Lucille McQuillar. She graduated Trenton Central High School in 1974 and shortly afterwards her oldest son, DeJean, was born. Before long, she joined the United States Army in 1976. While in the Army, Anthony Castle and Shirley were wed in Fort Drum, NY on Sept 2nd, 1978. From this union, three additionally children were born: Latashia, Kareem, and Iashia.

Shirley was a devoted mother, spouse, and grandmother. She loved her family dearly and everyone who knew Shirley would say she is the most unselfish person they have ever known. Although she was not the most outspoken person in the room, she had a rich and over abundant amount of love for her family that was shown through her actions. As the oldest daughter, she was an extension of her parent’s discipline when they left her in charge. She was nurturing and protective of her 8 brothers and sisters and would not allow anyone to bully them or take advantage of them. She was their “shero”.

She dedicated her career to servicing others by providing food for their souls. She enjoyed working at John Knox Village for 20 plus years where she provided nourishment to the residents.

Her love for cooking translated to her home life as well. She was by far the best chef in the family and set the bar high for all to follow. Shirley secretly loved disclosing fragments of her recipes and not revealing all steps so she can maintain her reign as “Queen McQuillar Chef”. Whenever she was in town visiting family, everyone made sure to get a bite of whatever she was making because they knew for a fact it was going to be a mind-blowing spectacular feast.

Among cooking and her devotion to her family, some of her other hobbies and pleasures in life included gardening and reading under her favorite tree in the yard. She was an avid lover of crossword puzzles and a great dancer (especially at weddings when she would cut loose).

She was proceeded in death by her mother, Lucille McQuillar, and oldest brother Bobby Richardson.

Shirley has an exceptionally large family that she leaves behind to cherish her memory. The family includes her father, James McQuillar. A husband of 42 years, Anthony Castle. Her siblings: MaryAnn McQuillar, James (Deborah) McQuillar, Samuel (Yvonne) McQuillar, Tyrone McQuillar, Mark (Patricia) McQuillar, Michael (Tilmeena) McQuillar, and Tonia (James) Harrison. Her Great Aunt Elease Beacham. Her children: DeJean (Amanda) McQuillar, Latashia (Jason) Hale, Kareem (Faryn) Castle, and Iashia (Peter) Bergamini. Her grandchildren: DeJean Jr. (Brooke) McQuillar, Jordan McQuillar, Skyelar McQuillar, Jacob Hale, Kyrie Hale, Olivia Castle, Amelia Hale, Mya Hale, Luna Hale, Elizabeth Castle, Rosalie McQuillar, and Vincent Bergamini. Her great-grandson, Christopher McQuillar. Plus, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Alzheimer’s was very dear to Shirley’s heart for it claimed the life of her mother and many others.

In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to:
https://www.alz.org/