Shirley June Harlan was born December 21, 1934 in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Clifford and Vivian McDowell. She has lived in Blackwell all her life, and is a graduate of Blackwell High School, Class of 1953. Shirley worked during high school at Lou Howard's drugstore. She sold cosmetics, did bookkeeping, and filled prescriptions when needed.

Jerry and Shirley met in 1951, where Shirley did Jerry’s typing in high school. So, one day in the ally… Jerry, a senior in high school, stopped his truck beside Shirley, a sophomore in high school, and ask for a date that Saturday night to the movies. She said YES!! And that was 1951, and they were married on August 10, 1952, at 8:00 AM Sunday morning at the Methodist Church, in the basement. Which was all arranged by Jerry’s uncle, the janitor of the church. Lake Murray was the destination for their honeymoon.

Jerry was drafted 3 months later in November 1952 to the US Army, and was stationed in Korea and Japan. Shirley continued to work at the drug store while he was deployed. Jerry returned from Japan 2 years later. She continued work at the drug store till 1961. Then, Jerry talked her into quitting and “keeping house.” Jerry retired from k-electric in 1981, and Shirley suggested they start “Harlan Electric” where she used her bookkeeping skills! They worked the business until their retirement in 2014.

Shirley had many hobbies… She was an Avon representative, and enjoyed selling products to friends and family. Shirley enjoyed the sport of bowling. She won many tournaments around Oklahoma, bowling twice a week, and enjoyed the title of “City Champion!” She had a love of horses: “Buck” and “Pepper” were her favorites! Furthermore, she enjoyed planning the class reunions for her high school friends - her and Jerry hosted many reunions from both their classes over the years.

A fun fact about Shirley you probably did not know: she loved to mow the lawn! Jerry would fire up the mower, and away she went. Shirley loved collecting pink depression glass, and loved antiques in general. Another hobby of hers was researching our family heritage through genealogy. She loved Jeeping in Colorado, and fishing lakes around Lake City. Jerry and her traveled winters to Arizona -- and an occasional trip to South Texas. Lake Blackwell and Lake Tenkiller were a part of their summers on the lake, water-skiing and having fun with family.

Shirley passed away on January 8, 2026, at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, after a bout with Covid. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Harlan of Blackwell, Oklahoma; her sister, Diane McDowell of Ponca City, Oklahoma; three nieces: Tammie, Brenda and Janice from Oklahoma City; and a bunch of relatives and friends. She lived a full, loving, fun-filled life. She was loved by all who knew her. We will miss you, Shirley!

A Graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM, Monday, January 12, 2026, in the Blackwell Cemetery, with Rev. Larry Harlan officiating.