Barbara Lee Shirrell, 83, of Herculaneum died March 12, 2026, at her home. Ms. Shirrell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Herculaneum-Pevely. She worked as a welder and assembler for the former White-Rogers HVAC products manufacturing plant and retired as a psychological aid for the St. Louis State Hospital on Arsenal Street. She enjoyed her annual birthday trips to Branson, planting her “red” flowers on the front porch and watching her daughters mow her grass and sitting on the front porch. She also loved going to church and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for living life to the fullest and for being faithful, giving, dependable, honest and compassionate. Born Oct. 15, 1942, in Jefferson City, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy L. (Larby) Smith and Harry D. Jennings.
She is survived by two daughters: Deborah K. (Mike) Reed of Festus and Cynthia L. (Kevin) Moore of Festus; four grandchildren: Brandon (Kristan Bizelli) Moore, Joshua (Samantha) Moore, Zachary (Raven) Reed and Caitlin (Brennan) Pryor; eight great-grandchildren: Julian Moore, Elijah Moore, Noah Moore, Ezra Moore, Brooks Reed, Walker Reed, Jonah Pryor and Sadie Pryor; a sister: Martha (the late Tom) Lewis of Oregon; three nieces: Marsha Harris, Stephanie (Don) Lindaman and Danielle (Lucas) Reed; and a nephew: Kelly Harpole.
She was preceded in death by a brother: Carl Jennings; a great-grandson: Colt Wyatt Reed; and a nephew: Shane Lewis.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation will continue from noon until services at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, at First Baptist Church of Herculaneum-Pevely, 1315 Abbey Lane, in Pevely, officiated by Pastor George Compton. Burial will follow in Herculaneum Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.