Shirley Brizendine OBITUARY

Shirley M Brizendine of Dana Point CA passed away on June 18, 2024 surrounded by her family and team of caregivers. 6 weeks short of her 100th birthday.. Shirley was born in Independence, MO on July 31, 1924. She attended William Chrisman High School in Independence where she met her future husband, John C Brizendine Jr.She attended Graceland University in Lamoni, IA and later supported her new husband through his years at Kansas University. She and John, and their first child Suzanne, born January 9, 1949 left the Midwest for southern California upon his graduation to begin his career in the aerospace industry. Shirley enjoyed the society of this growing industry for many years, especially the friends and families of colleagues, as well as the opportunities for travel that it afforded.Shirley was a meticulous organizer, her passion being the documentation of the lives of her family members in her special books. She had a remarkable intelligence and memory right up to the end. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of 78 years, John, her son John Sands, her grandsons Ryan and Jeremy, her daughters in law Kelley and Melissa, and her 6 great grandchildren, Ellie, Adalyn, Clara, Calvin, Ava, and Lila. Our Tutu will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, Shirley has requested contributions be made to Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.