Shirley I. Bishop, 86, of Vero Beach, FL, left this earthly realm to join her husband Lester Bishop in spirit on December 10, 2021.

She was born in Bedford, Iowa on December 21, 1934, to Phyliss and Paul Poore. Shirley graduated from Sacramento State College and majored in Education.

Shirley grew up in Bedford, Iowa before moving to Placerville, CA where she attended High school. She was an avid musician. She played percussion in the band and sang and danced in musicals throughout her college career. After marrying Richard Keeney, she traveled the world as a military wife and became a stay-at-home mom and substitute teacher and raised her 4 children. After Shirley moved to Florida, she continued her love for music by directing the Treasure Coast Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s. After raising her family and a move to Vero Beach, she went back to work in real estate working for the Board of Realtors and then Sherman Real Estate. She missed teaching and after updating her credentials began to work as an educator for the School District of Indian River County at Fellsmere Elementary School. She then moved to Beachland Elementary School where she became a music teacher and was nominated as Teacher of the Year by her peers. She is perhaps the most well known for her time at Beachland and the programs she began like Beachland’s Steel Drum Band. She retired from teaching after 11 years with the School District of Indian River County in 1997. She then moved to St. Helens to also teach music and finally finished her career at age 73.

Over her years in Vero, Shirley gave back to her community in many ways. She was a dedicated member of over 40 years to Unity Spiritual Center of Vero Beach. She became a licensed Unity teacher. She led spiritual classes and services over the years and was a member of the prayer team and chaplains. In addition, she was the choir director of the Unity Voices. In addition to her unwavering dedication to her church community, she also was the choir director of the Silvertones.

Shirley had many hobbies. Among them were dancing, singing, and playing bridge. She was a life-long learner and was an avid reader of both spiritual books and mystery novels.

Shirley is survived by her first husband Richard; her children Cindy Pinches, Mark Keeney, Lisa DiMauro, and Laura Lane; her sisters Joan and Marsha; 18 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband Lester and her sister Amy.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared on her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Shirley-Bishop-Celebration-of-Life-Service-106368501905893.