Shirley Ann Bennett

Shirley was altogether fair and lovey. She was born Shirley Ann Azlin, on February 16, 1940, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, the oldest child of Luther and Lena Azlin. Shirley was Oklahoma born and bred and grew up in a close family with three younger brothers and an extended family, stretching from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and California. She was affectionately dubbed the Little Blonde in many stories when her father talked about family adventures.

She attended schools in Wewoka and New Lima, Oklahoma, graduating from New Lima, and voted best dancer of her class. As a teenager, Shirley would join her parents and other family in the summers, working as farm workers in the potato sheds in California.

In 1959, Shirley married Chester Underwood of Shawnee, Oklahoma, who was serving in the Navy. They lived in Virginia for 15 years and had two daughters and a son. The couple lived in Norfolk, Virginia, while Chester completed his service and developed life-long friendships. The family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where their son was born, and Chester worked in the federal civil service. During their years in Virginia, she was a gracious host to many family visitors and became very active in her faith, becoming the prayer warrior that so many remember.

The family returned to Oklahoma, settling in Shawnee Oklahoma in 1974, where Shirley lived the remainder of her life. She was very active with the Christian women’s organization, AGLOW, and served a term as their president. In Oklahoma Shirley developed a very close bond with a group of women, sharing their faith and many adventures over the years.

Shirley did not work outside the home while raising her children but eventually worked with Chester at the Tecumseh Housing Authority. Upon his death, she assumed his duties and continued to build up that community for several years. Shirley went back to school and eventually acquired a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She thereafter worked for the Oklahoma State Health Department in Seminole County. During this time, she met Richard Bennett, of Fort Smith. They married in 1999 and enjoyed 18 years together, traveling and spending time with family.

Shirley was a lifelong learner who enjoyed art and research, including genealogy, which established her inclusion as a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.

Shirley passed from this life on September 5, 2026.

Shirley will be laid to rest at Fairview cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma, beside her husband Chester.

A celebration of Shirley’s life has begun in heaven and will be held for those she leaves behind to cherish her memory at Liberty Baptist Church in the future.