Born in Swifton, Arkansas to Clarence and Opal Halcomb, Shirley was a pastor's wife for 40 years. She and her husband, Glen, resided in Greenfield. They have two children, Glenda Stokes and Darrel Burnside, and two grandchildren. Shirley attended Ben Davis High School, Central Bible College, and IUPUI. She was a tax practitioner and a Mary Kay Consultant. Shirley was a member of the Indiana District Women's Ministries Executive Committee and was involved with a local church. In her spare time, she enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and walking. Upon meeting Shirley, it was evident that she loved being around people.