Shirley Markette
Tupelo - Shirley Markette, 84, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2006, at Rosewood Residence. She was born Aug. 26, 1921, to the late Charles and Lelia Macke, and raised in Clinton, Iowa. After graduating from high school, she spent six years studying abroad in Europe and working for the U.S. Civil Service. Earlier in her life, she worked as executive director for USAA in San Antonio, Texas. She was also the founder and executive director of the Farm Bureau Tech in Jackson, where she lived for 18 years. After retirement, she returned to Tupelo 17 years ago to be near her family. She was an active member of St. James Catholic Church, where she was a past president of the St. James Women's Society. She was known for her incredible embroidery and cross stitch work, and was most beloved because of her wonderful stories and jokes.
Services will be noon Monday at St. James Catholic Church with Father Henry Shelton officiating. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include one daughter, Melissa Markette Oakes and husband, Dr. W. Thomas Oakes Jr., of Tupelo; three grandchildren, William Thomas "Wil" Oakes III of Nashville, and Ashley Elizabeth Oakes and Nathaniel Emory Oakes, both of Tupelo; special friends, Polly Robinson, and Austin and Carol Long of Tupelo; special caregivers, Marilyn, Sonia, Debbie and Sandy.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the church.