Shirley Bear Amodeo, 100
August 22, 1925 – March 13, 2026
Tupelo-At the ripe age of 100, Shirley Bear Amodeo has entered perpetual light. Shirley died on March 13, 2026 at Courtyards Health and Rehab in Fulton where she had resided for some time. A short, feisty but completely filled with the Spirit of the Virgin Mary and her God, Shirley was born in Freeport, Ill. on August 22, 1925. She and her late husband, Anthony “Tony” Amodeo moved to Tupelo in 1952 with Rockwell Power Tool Manufacturing. They loved Tupelo and St. James Catholic Church where she was a faithful member before her health failed. Shirley worked many years for Hancock Fabrics where she was beloved and respected by her work associates. Her small stature belied her generous spirit. She was always helping others in the manner taught in the Golden Rule. A painter, Shirley enjoyed sewing, fishing, arts and crafts and camping. She found great strength in God’s beautiful creation and solace in the pristine beauty of the outdoors. Shirley has finished her earthly work and is now realizing the promises of the Word of God and her lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith. May the Saints rejoice in her home-going!
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 PM Thursday, March 19, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo with Father Tim Murphy and Father Henry Shelton officiating. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1 PM-service time. The service may be viewed on St. James Catholic Church Facebook. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.
Shirley is survived by her two sons, Steven Amodeo and Richard Amodeo both of Collierville, TN; Grandma’s beloved grandchildren, Jacob (Kenon), Rachel (Gabriel), Melissa (Greg), Megan and Keith (Elizabeth); her great grandchildren, Goldie, Ella, Josie, Sophia, Lola and Eva. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tony, her son, Mike and her siblings.
Memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church, P. O. Box 734, Tupelo, MS. 38802. Condolence may be posted on Shirley’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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