Shirley Louise Poat, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on April 25, 1944, to the late Glenn and Maudine McIntosh Faughn, she radiated kindness and comfort to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Shirley devoted many years of service to Bell South before her well-earned retirement. She made many lifelong friendships with coworkers and kept in touch over the years.
Shirley had many family favorite recipes. Her children and grandchildren looked forward to her signature strawberry cake and meatloaf with "special sauce". She was an exemplary mother whose love knew no bounds, and a doting grandmother whose grandchildren cherished her nurturing presence, endearingly calling her "Nana". Her role as a good wife was indisputable, as she navigated the path of life's challenges and joys beside her husband, with grace and steadfastness.
Shirley's fervor for sports was profound. She was an ardent fan, often found cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats and the St. Louis Cardinals. She committed countless hours to watching college sports from the comfort of her living room. Her shouts of support and moments of shared triumph with family and friends during game days are treasured memories that will be held dear.
Her devout Christian faith was the foundation upon which she built her life, a source of strength and guiding light. She embodied the virtues of her beliefs through her actions and the love she extended to others.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Amie (Charles) Fountain of Paducah; her son, Greg Poat of Paducah; four grandchildren, Emily (Ethan) Hines of Paducah, Rebecca (Connor) Porvaznik of Paducah, Matthew (Lauren) Poat of Gainesville, Virginia, and Leah Poat of Lexington, Kentucky; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Michael Joseph Poat; her father, Glenn Faughn; her mother, Maudine McIntosh Faughn; her sister, Glennis Hiett; and two brothers, Gary Faughn and Robert Faughn.
A funeral mass will take place at 12 P.M. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 6705 Old US HWY 45 South in Paducah, Kentucky, with Rev. Gary Simpson officiating.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Lone Oak.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 70360, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19176-0360 or to the Patient Advocate Foundation, CO-PAY Relief, at www.copays.org.
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