Her first home was in Wolbach for a short period before moving to Farwell, NE, in the spring of 1949. In 1955, the Gillespie family left their cherished Farwell farm in Howard County and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Though she left the land of her childhood, it always held a special place in Shirley’s heart, and she returned often.
Shirley had a deep love for music. Her passion started with the Northeast High marching band and expanded into a musical career with several local and regional country bands.
While visiting her sister Karen and family in Los Angeles in 1968, she met John T. Moore at a square dance where he was the caller. Their shared love of music sparked an instant connection, and their harmony—both literal and emotional—would become the soundtrack of their lives.
Shirley and John were married on November 17, 1968, and soon welcomed two sons, John Jr. in 1969 and Anthony (Tony) in 1972.
In 1974, Shirley felt called back to Nebraska, and John wholeheartedly supported the move. They returned to Lincoln where John continued to call square dances. Then in 1977 they started the band Levis and Lace, which performed across southeastern Nebraska for many years. As the children grew and started more activities, she and John stepped back from the band, but still enjoyed playing music with family and friends.
In 1979, their daughter Amanda was born, and in 1981, the family settled on a beautiful acreage in rural Hickman, Nebraska. It was Shirley’s dream come true—a home filled with family, music, love, and the joys of farm life. Chickens, cows, sheep, and even pigs roamed the land, and Shirley delighted in sharing her childhood memories with her children. In 1984, the family grew again with the birth of another son, James (Jim).
She had a deep passion for genealogy, swimming, and hosting friends and family—especially during the holidays, which brought her immense joy. She was fortunate to travel around the world, with Greece holding a special place in her heart.
Her home, though remodeled over the years, remained a sanctuary of song and love. It was filled with years of creativity, crafts, and hobbies she loved doing and sharing with everyone around her. As her family grew, Shirley created countless adventures and memories for those she held dear. One of her greatest joys in later years was deepening her relationship with Christ, alongside John, at Country Bible Church. She cherished the warmth and welcome of her new church family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lee and Elizabeth Gillespie; her brother, David and Vicky Gillespie; her sister, Karen and Chuck Brubaker; brother-in-law Raymond Lawson; her cherished daughter, Amanda (Moore) Bragg; granddaughter Nevaeh Auxahana Miller Moore; niece Dawn Brubaker and her in-laws, Marvin and Lena (Rosselli) Moore.
She is survived by her devoted husband and the love of her life, John T. Moore of Hickman; her children: John T. Moore Jr. and wife Michelle of Omaha, Anthony L. Moore and wife Jolene of Waverly, James A. Moore and wife Paige of Adams, and son-in-law Zac Bragg and wife Nicole of Waverly.
She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Maggie Moore, Abby Moore, Karlee Moore, Zoe Moore, Aeva Moore, Patrick Bragg, Landon Robertson, Marek Moore, and Roman Moore; and her great-grandson, Braxley Barnard.
Shirley is also survived by her sister Judy Lawson of Lincoln; her brother Darrell (Butch) Gillespie and wife Sue of Rio Verde, AZ; her brother-in-law Clint Moore and wife Nancy of Mesa, AZ; and many, many nieces and nephews who adored her.
Shirley passed away on July 31, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer and other health issues. She was surrounded by family and friends, with music, laughter, and tears filling the room. In a moment that will be forever treasured, Shirley unexpectedly awoke to share how beautiful heaven is, and that we will all be surprised.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9th at Country Bible Church, 16140 S 148th Street, Bennet, NE. Visitation Thursday, August 7th from 4:30-7:00 p.m., at Roper and Sons Funeral Home 10851 N 148th St, Waverly, NE.
Memorials to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, or the cancer research group of your choice.