SHIRLEY BYFORD JEFFRIES, age 75, a resident of Sikeston formerly of Charleston, died at 3:24 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2009 at the Bertrand Nursing Facility.

She was born May 13, 1934 in Charleston to the late Anderson and Opal Oliver Davis.
She had lived in Charleston for 53 years before moving to Sikeston in 1987 and provided child care in her home for 43 years until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of the Church of Christ but recently had attended church with her daughters. She was former member of the Sikeston Eagles Club.

In 1953 she married James Byford who preceded her in death. In 1970 she married Bill Jeffries who also preceded her in death.

Surviving are two sons and daughters in law, Louis and Lana Byford of Corning and Stevon and Marion Byford of Jackson, MI; two daughters and sons in law, Chris and Stephen McClanahan and Rose and Charles Haines all of Charleston; two step children, Kim Day of St. Charles and Darrell Jeffries of Columbia; eight grandchildren, Amanda Byford (John) Driskell, Stephen (Cara) McClanahan II, Jeremy (Allison) Rasnic, Sabrina Byford, J.D. Byford II, Jimmy Byford, Kristen Haines, and Jacob Byford; two step grandchildren, LeAnn Day and Noel Alan Day; five great grandchildren, Wyatt and Madison Driskell, Charlotte Lillian McClanahan, Graysen Maddox Rasnic, and J.B. Byford III; and two step great grandchildren, Jaden and Evan Day; also her greatly loved poodle, "Baby".

She was preceded in death by three brothers, and two sisters.

Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2009, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston where Memorial Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney Dunlap, Pastor of the Abundant Life in Christ Church in Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.