Shirley Isabelle Dement

Shirley Isabelle (Wren) Dement

February 9, 1937 – June 19, 2026

Shirley Isabelle (Wren) Dement passed away at the age of 89, on June 19th, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on February 9, 1937 in Elvins, Missouri, the daughter of Sally (Goodman) Wren and Jesse Wren.

Shirley was a woman of great wit, strength, and determination. From a very young age she learned to care for her family as she helped her mother with household chores. She was a do-it-yourself woman, a talented artist, and a gifted seamstress. Once married and raising her own family, she was known to demolish walls and remodel a room before her husband returned home from work. One of her favorite things was shopping and searching out the ‘as seen on TV aisle’.

Her community knew her as the PTO President, a business owner, one of the first female school bus drivers in the state of Missouri, a GM factory worker, and carpool driver. To many AV kindergarten school children, she was Grandma Shirley.

To her family, she was daughter, wife, Sis, Momma, Grandma, and GG. A generous giver who did her best to make it to all family birthday parties, weddings, and other special events. She also loved Christmas and made it special for everyone who attended. All cherished memories of singing loudly The Twelve Days of Christmas while GG belted out “Five Golden Rings!”. Nothing made her happier than hunting for the perfect gift for each family member and watching them open it… especially her great-great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was being with and giving to those she loved.

Shirley met the love of her life while riding her bike home. Her and Carl Dement were wed on February 25, 1952, and they were married for 63 years.

In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Carl; sister Rhonda Bailey; brothers, Willet Wren, George Wren, Harvey Wren, and Jesse Wren; son, Doug “Bear” Dement; and grandson, Brock Newstead.

Shirley is survived by sisters, Nancy Drennen, Debbie Akers, and sister-in-law, Paula Risher; children, William (Sharon) Dement, Barbara (Randy) Dettmer, Teresia (Shannon) Dement, Carla Dement, Mallissa (Robert) Newstead, and Bryan Dement; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends for a Memorial visitation on Friday, June 26th, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Bryson Funeral Home in Pilot Knob, Missouri.  Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.