Shirley Anne Gregson

Shirley A. Gregson
June 11, 1935 - October 21, 2014
INDEPENDENCE - Shirley A. Gregson of Independence, OR passed away Tuesday, October 21 at the age of 79. Shirley was born June 11, 1935 in Salem, Oregon to Zona and Peter Nebrija, and graduated from Salem High School in 1953. On October 10, 1953 she married LeRoy R. Gregson, and in 1958 they started their family with a son Vincent and then in 1960 a daughter Karen joined the family. Lee and Shirley were involved in everything the kids did, from Vince racing motorcycles to Karen showing horses. When the family wasn't involved in these activities there was camping, fishing and hunting to be done.
At age 35, Shirley was afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and during the next 40 years she endured six total hip replacements along with many other surgeries, but she never once complained and always kept that same sweet spirit. She loved the "Lord Jesus" and that is the spirit we will all remember about her.
She enjoyed writing letters, tending houseplants, and collecting agates, and most of all spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She just loved being with her family. You always felt that being around her, you could see the joy in her eyes.
Shirley wrote down a list of things to always remind her of God's grace and mercy, and here is that list:
1. That I can walk (even if it is with a walker after six total hip surgeries).
2. That he saved me - took my sins at the cross.
3. That I live in Free America.
4. He forgives our daily sins (shouldn't be many!)
5. I'm surrounded by family and friends that love me.
6. He reminds me to be faithful!
This is the way she lived her life, always putting others before herself. She was loved and will be deeply missed here on earth, but now she is really Home, she is with our Lord and Savior.
Shirley is survived by son Vincent (Teri), daughter Karen (George), brothers Laure and Steve, sister Sue and four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Tony in 1995.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, November 23 at 3 p.m. at Salem Heights Church, 375 Madrona Ave S, Salem. The family invites you to stay after the service for refreshments and to remember old times. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willamette Humane Society. Arrangements by Farnstrom Mortuary. Memories and condolences at FarnstromMortuary.com.