She was born on October 13, 1936 in French Camp, Mississippi, and she attended Mississippi University for Women. She was a member of Ackerman Baptist Church since 1953 where she served in many roles including Cradle Roll Director, Preschool Director, Children's Department Director, and was one of the organizers of the Baptist Young Women's Group. She was a member of the Gleaners Sunday School Class and a faithful member and Treasurer of the McGlamery WMU.
Shirley served as President and Board Member of the Choctaw County School Board for over 19 years, and worked for many years in Mississippi's Junior Miss Program. She was also a member of General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) in the Ackerman 20th Century Club for over 25 years where she served as President three times, District President, and the Mississippi Federation State Board of Directors for 12 years as Chairman and photographer.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Perry McGaugh. She is survived by her two sons, William Perry McGaugh, Jr. (Beth) of Ridgeland, Mississippi and Reggie Lee McGaugh (Mary Beth) of Raleigh, North Carolina, her brother, Billie Glenn Henson of Florence, Kentucky, her five grandchildren, Jonathan Stevens, Elizabeth Stevens, Will McGaugh, Seth McGaugh, and Anna McGaugh, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Belinda Vowell, the caregivers of Neighbors Heart, and the staff of Halcyon Hospice for their wonderful care over these past few months. The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Ackerman Baptist Church Kitchen Fund, which was near and dear to Shirley's heart.