Shirley A. Pierce, 81, formerly of Bethalto, passed away at 1:54pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011, St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, Illinois. She was born on October 6, 1929, in Alton, Illinois the daughter of the late George and Beulah (Gordon) Kirkpatrick. She married Adred T. Brooks in 1947 and he preceded her in death in 1983. She then married Dugan Pierce in 1987 and he preceded her in 1989. Survivors include three daughters and a son in law: Pamula Basden of Bethalto, Connie Harrington of Godfrey, Brenda and Rick Reeves of Staunton, one son: Russell Brooks of Keyesport, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one brother and sister in law: Lee and Lulu Kirkpatrick of Hendrick, Kentucky.

She was formerly employed as a custodian for the Bethalto Public Schools. She then worked as a cook at the Finn and Feather Restaurant in Breese, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, one brother: Donald Kirkpatrick, and several step brothers and sisters.

Private funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.