Shirley JoAnne Boeckman

Shirley JoAnne Boeckman July 29, 1946 - February 20, 2018 Mrs. Shirley Joanne Boeckman (Pierce) of St. Augustine, Florida passed peacefully with her husband and daughter by her side, on February 20, 2018 at the age of 71. Shirley is survived by her husband, Arnold Boeckman; her daughter and son in-law, Tamara and Bernard Cornelius of St. Augustine, Florida; siblings, George Morrison (Lucille), Maryls DeVerennes, and Kenneth Pierce (Kathy); grandchildren, Laura, Jennifer, David (Carissa), Kyle, Crystal, Kaylene and Katelynn (Devon); great grandchildren, Nathaniell, Mallachai, Cordyllia, Jocelyn, Lachlan and Isabella; nieces and nephews, cousins and very good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bernice Pierce and daughter, Denise Pierson. Shirley was born on July 29, 1946 in Sacramento, California. At age 9 she developed juvenile diabetes. The diabetes took a toll on her health through the years by affecting her circulation, heart and kidneys but she managed to stay strong and keep a positive attitude. Shirley graduated from Rio Linda High School in 1964. She married Robert Pierson in 1964 and had daughters, Tamara (1964) and Denise (1969). She called her daughters, “blessings that gave her a lot of laughs, tears and utter amazement.” Shirley met her husband, Arnold through the internet and they married in June 2001. He loved her completely and treated her like a queen. He took care of her and did everything he could do to make life easier for her. She was so thankful to be his wife. Shirley lived in various places in her lifetime; California, Okinawa, Japan, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho and Florida. Her jobs included; clerk typist for the government, working with the Army Corps of engineers, bank telling, teaching at the American Training Institute and instructor at the teller training institute. While in Oklahoma she was an owner of a florist/wedding shop, a nursery and apartment dwellings. Shirley was a giving person who never hesitated to get involved. She worked with the Mayor in Poteua, Ok to help build a senior center, where they would hold fellowship, games and food giveaways. She was involved in Operation Desert Storm, where she alone collected 5000 shoe boxes and acquired sponsors to fill them with basic necessities and send them to our troops in Desert Strom. She also held the position of President of her Homeowner’s Association in Idaho. She took great pride in her family and was never short on letting them and others know. Her family remembers her as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who encouraged them to pursue their goals in life. A funeral is scheduled for March 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, Fl. 32084. A reception will follow at her daughter’s home in St. Augustine. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Shirley’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. The family would like to thank the 5th floor ICU staff at Orange Park Medical Center for their efforts, care and dedication. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.