Shirley Custodio Spaulding, age 63, resident of Austin, AR, and more recently of Fort Scott, KS passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024. Shewas born in Siruma Camarines Sur, Philippines. She was married but divorced shortly after she moved to the United States. She then raised her 6 children by herself in a country where she barely understood English. So,shewas a very strong
woman. Shewas a survivor of trauma in the Philippines and many more here in the United States. But she did it because of her faith in God and Jesus Christ. She prayed often. She loved her family dearly and would do anything for them. Shewas proud of her children and grandchildren, bragging about them often. Her spouse for 35 years was James Spradlin.
She had breast cancer 2 years ago. A month later she needed brain surgery. Then last year in October 2023, cancer returned in her back, brain, lungs, and bone. Shirley then decided to move to Fort Scott, KS in February 2024, to be closer to her family. Shewas establishing care and treatment at KU Cancer Center in Overland Park, KS. But she lost her battle with cancer and passed away at Freeman Hospital in Joplin MO Sunday morning.
She loved Spending time in nature, gardening, landscaping, cooking, karaoke, dancing, fishing, playing bingo, lottery scratch-offs, collecting antiques, and so much more. Shewas always active doing something. Shewas always making sure everyone around her was taken care of and happy. She sacrificed so much for her children.
Survivors include James Spradlin of the home; her children and grandchildren, Anthony Spaulding- 5 children, Chrystaleah Doherty & Shane Doherty (son in law) – 5 children, Lyzl Spaulding- 2 children, Angela Collet, Casey Spaulding & Marsha Walker (daughter in law) – 5 children, and Shane Spaulding & Elizabeth Underwood (daughter in law) – 4 children.
Private family services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
