Shirley Atkinson LeBlanc

  “I thank You, God, for my family. May Your blessing be upon us.”- S. LeBlanc, 1980

Shirley Atkinson LeBlanc passed away peacefully on September 24, 2023, at age 91. She died in her home at St. Ann Retirement Center, Oklahoma City, with her husband of 70 years, Joseph, and her daughters by her side. Born on December 8, 1931, in Greenwood, MS, Shirley was the only child of the late John Arliss and Lillian Atkinson. Shirley lived with her parents and went to school in Greenwood until college. She was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity and graduated with honors from the University of Mississippi in 1953. Shirley married Dr. Joseph Vincent LeBlanc III on May 10, 1953, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood.

Shirley and Joe lived in St. Louis, MO, where Joe completed medical school. They then lived in California and Kodiak, AK, where Joe served in the U.S. Navy. In 1963, the family settled in Fort Smith, AR, where Shirley cared for their four daughters and was active in church and social affairs.  The family moved to Bartlesville, OK, in 1974 when Joe began a career with Phillips Petroleum Company.  The family planted roots there that endured for four decades. Shirley loved living in Bartlesville where she served in the Service League of Bartlesville, participated in Chi Omega alumna activities, and was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. In addition, she served for many years as Spiritual Director for St. John Before the Latin Gate Catholic Church Women’s Association where she used her writing skills to glorify God.  Joe and Shirley traveled worldwide during Joe’s years at Phillips, making lifelong friendships and enduring memories. Shirley enjoyed reading, learning, playing cards or bingo, and spending time with her family and friends.  She was well-read, adventurous, quick-witted – a master at bridge or Trivial Pursuit.

Shirley is survived by her loving spouse, Joseph, daughters Joanne Williams of Edmond, OK (Daryl), Dr. Mary Bailey of Williamsburg, VA (Ken), and Jeanie Butts of Oklahoma City, OK (Ben).  She is also survived by seven grandchildren including Ashley Von Hatten (John Yerton), Dr. Patrick Verity, Alex Brady (Sean-Michael), Alex Blumberg (Emily Smith), Megan Marsh (Hunter), Nina Blumberg, and Zoe Butts; and six great grandchildren including Camille Brady, James Patrick Marsh, Ben Yerton, Julia Marsh, Isabel Brady, and June Rose Blumberg. Shirley was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Catherine Von Hatten (Mike).  Shirley considered her family to be her greatest accomplishment.

Shirley - a woman of great faith - was a devoted wife and mother, creating and maintaining a home and a refuge for her family. The family is grateful to St. Ann staff and residents for their many services and kindnesses, to Right At Home for their in home assistance, as well as to Mercy Hospice for their compassionate care and guidance in Shirley’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Ann Retirement Center, 7501 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 29, 2023, 2 pm. The Rosary will be said Thursday, September 28, 2023, 6 pm; both occurring at St. Joachim Chapel, St. Ann Retirement Center.