Shirley J. Jelsma

Shirley Jeanne Jelsma
October 13, 1935 – September 21, 2023

Parents: Ralph & Fern Beecher
Siblings: Lynn Beecher, Whitwell TN; Beverly Buker, Reno NV


Shirley went from her home in Lakewood Colorado to be with the Lord on September 21, 2023. She was born on a farm near Union, IA and attended grades 1 to 12 at Union Consolidated Schools. She was very involved in vocal and instrumental music, was very good in girls basketball and graduated valedictorian.

Shirley put her faith and trust in the Lord at the age of 13 and soon gained a desire to know the Bible and know Christ in a deep and personal way. Her Bibles and devotional books have lots of notes related to her study, understanding and personal application of the Word. Later her interest grew into a desire to really know God in a personal way. You couldn't visit her very long without her talking about the Lord and her own experience with Him. Her regular morning prayer would be "Lord if you come for me today, I'm ready. If this is not the day, I want my life to honor and glorify you".

After high school she was engaged to Stan Jelsma. They had been together in all 12 grades in school and had started dating in the middle of their junior year. They had started a Bible club at their school and enjoyed participating in Bible studies and their youth group. She and Stan attended Moody Bible Institute for one year and then were married and settled in Colorado.

Their lives were very involved in the Lord's work. Shirley taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school, in the AWANA program, held weekly child evangelism classes in their home, was co-chair with Stan of the Colorado state committee for Child Evangelism Fellowship. She was a volunteer at Set Free Prison Ministries for many years.

In her employment career she worked in the printing office of the church and school and worked for eight years in graphic design for Public Service Company of Colorado. Shirley was very creative and enjoyed making cards for her loved ones, playing the organ, exercising, playing games, doing puzzles, and planning family meals together. Shirley was known to be a perfectionist and very organized, so much so that one of her daughter-in-law's wondered if she alphabetized her trash.

Shirley was the mother of four children: Stephen – Shelly Honaker; Sandee (deceased in 2021) – Dyrrick Cyphers, Scott – Evelyn Shirk; Sidney – Annette McDowell and Nicki McClung. She had 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother. She was one who lived life daily to please and honor God. She will long be remembered by her family and friends for her smile, her glowing expressions and daily walk with the Lord.

If you have not already come to know the Lord, her greatest desire would be for you to come to a personal relationship with Him today.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:
Missionary Flights International
3170 Airmans Drive
Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
www.missionaryflights.org