02/12/2017
Shirley Ann (Johnson) Bellamy was born, May 6 , 1927, in Knoxville, Iowa the daughter of Paul Raymond and Marjorie Alice (Twombley) Johnson.
She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1945, and attended the University of Iowa where she studied journalism and was voted the “Freshman Beauty Queen”.
Shirley was united in marriage to James Marshall Bellamy on Valentine’s Day. Shirley and Jim lived in Knoxville all their lives and dedicated themselves to the community.
They were passionate about so many activities during their life together. They loved to fly, shoot traps, motorcycles, fish, and snowmobile. They were beautiful on the dance floor.
Shirley was an accomplished musician; she sang, played the piano, and played the violin in the Pella Orchestra for 30 years. She wrote a column in the Knoxville Journal-Express for many years under the title of, “In the Kitchen with Etta”. Etta was a term of endearment given to Shirley by her husband, Jim.
Shirley’s volunteer activities in Knoxville and Marion County were numerous, she and Jim happily gave back to the community they loved.
Shirley had a beautiful smile and her genuine warmth drew people to her. The family was everything to Shirley. Every evening around the dinner table was a festive celebration. Shirley’s family will always treasure her unforgettable resilience, insight, and wisdom.
Shirley passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics at the age of 89 years.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Jim in 2003 and her brother, Ted Johnson.
Those left to honor Shirley’s memory include her children: Tom Bellamy (Diane) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Susan (Jeff) Beary of Knoxville, Sally Bellamy (Jim Duvall) of Nisswa, Minnesota, Betsy Bellamy (Tim Gotta) of Knoxville, and Ann (Robert) Smith of Dallas, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Dr. Keith Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota and many other family members and friends.
A funeral service for Shirley Bellamy of Knoxville will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to H.C.I. Care Services – Knoxville Office or to the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Foundation.
Officiating: Pastor Brent Hanna
Christine Meyers, Organist
Katie Davis, Vocalist
Musical Selections:
“Mockingbird Hill”
“Just As I Am” – congregational
“How Great Thou Art” – congregational
“Ave Maria”
Casket Bearers:
Jake Huso, Marshall Smith
Gardner Smith, Matt Skogen
Sam Anderson, Dustin Bliss
Chad Des Planque, Carl Williams
Austin Hicks, Adam Hicks
Honorary Casket Bearers:
Jeff Beary, Tim Gotta
Jim Duvall, Bob Smith