Shirley Qualls Derryberry, a woman who never lived life quietly and never loved halfway, was born on September 30, 1944, in Selmer, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Gordon Qualls and Dorothy Kiser.

To know Shirley was to know energy, laughter, and a spirit that simply refused to sit still. She was not one to watch life pass by—she stepped into it fully, boldly, and often right into the spotlight.

From her younger years, Shirley stood out. A proud graduate of Selmer High School, she made her mark as a talented basketball player and was honored as Homecoming Queen—just an early glimpse of the confidence and charm she would carry throughout her life. That same warmth and personality later earned her the title of Miss Congeniality in the Mrs. Senior Tennessee Pageant, a fitting recognition for someone who could light up any room she entered.

Her working years reflected both her compassion and her versatility. Shirley served as a nurse at Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar, Tennessee, where she cared for others with strength and dedication. She also expressed her creativity as a beautician, helping others feel their best—something she naturally encouraged everywhere she went.

But more than anything, Shirley loved living. She loved to shop, to read, to dance, and to travel. She was an avid golfer who enjoyed time on the course just as much as she enjoyed time with people. And if there was music playing, you could count on Shirley to find her way to the microphone. She loved karaoke, and once she got ahold of it, there was no question—she was taking center stage, and everyone else was along for the ride.

Her faith was an important part of who she was. Raised in New Bethel Presbyterian Church and Baptist in belief, Shirley found comfort in reading her Bible and carried that faith with her throughout her life.

Above all else, Shirley’s greatest love was her son, Michael. He was her world, her pride, and her joy. Everything she did, she did with him in her heart.

In her later years, Shirley was blessed with devoted care and love. Her sister, Linda Howell, and her special niece, Sandy Whitaker, were exceptional in making sure Shirley was cared for, supported, and never without what she needed. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort not only to Shirley, but to all who loved her.

Mrs. Derryberry departed this life on March 17, 2026, in Selmer, Tennessee, at the age of 81 years, 5 months, and 17 days.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved son, Michael Moore of Selmer, Tennessee; a sister, Linda Howell of Selmer, Tennessee; two brothers, Larry Kiser of Selmer, Tennessee, and Jeff Edwards and his wife Judy of Selmer, Tennessee; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who meant so much to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, E.P. and Ocie Kiser, and her mother-in-law, Ruth Moore.

Shirley will be remembered not just for the life she lived, but for the way she lived it—full of movement, full of laughter, and always, always full of heart.