Shirley (Doom) Smith

Shirley (Doom) Smith, 85, of Moberly, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2023, at Mark Twain Assisted Living. Shirley Doom was born Oct 8th, 1937 in Salem, KY, along with Hazel Doom, Fraternal twins born to George Washington & Iva Martha Shewcraft Doom. Hazel was born first, then Shirley. Twins were very unusual in that area at the time, and many folks came to see the new babies. Their father, George was also a fraternal twin with Francis Marion Doom, born in 1884. There were four older brothers, now deceased, Vernon, Raymond, Harland and Lawrence. Shirley had an older sister Martha, and younger sister Margery (now deceased). As the twins required more attention in a busy household, Lawrence (age 12) and Martha (age9) had to become early caregivers. Lawrence would always take care of Hazel, and leave Shirley for Martha aka ‘Sister’ to handle. Shirley was a little chubbier, and more of a challenge. When George & Iva married in 1915, he was 30 years old, she was 16. Eight children were born to this marriage between 1917 and 1940. Shirley had more of a ‘take-charge’ type personality. She was a little shorter than her twin, and had curlier hair. She attended Salem High School. The summer before her senior year, she married CJ Smith, he was also from Livingston County, and had joined the US Air Force and was stationed at Camp Whiteman in Missouri. She returned to live with her parents to finish her high school education and was part of the last class to graduate from Salem High School. She said a beautiful solo at her graduation ceremony. Shirley and CJ made their home in St Peters, MO. They welcomed three children: Michael in 1957, Sharon in 1964, and Cynthia in 1967. Unfortunately, this marriage didn’t last, and they were divorced before 1973. Shirley was an expert seamstress, and a good cook. She made money with her sewing and alterations, and her work was total perfection. Later, her sister-in-law, Dottie, helped her secure a job with General Motors Parts in Hazelwood, MO. She continued to live in St Peters until her health declined, and she moved to an assisted living facility in Moberly MO, close to her daughter Sharon. In later years, she suffered from diabetes, dementia, as well as glaucoma, and had lost a lot of her vision. Shirley had grandchildren Laura, Bon, Kaila, Ashleigh, Kendell & Michael. Great grandchildren were Addison, James, Caleb, Zander and Killian. She was able to meet her newest Great Grand just the week before her death. Memorial graveside services will be Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at Salem Cemetery in Salem, KY. Rev. John East will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem.