Obituary of Shirley Joan Osborne

Shirley J. Osborne, 84, entered into the arms of Jesus on the Thursday evening of December 31, 2020, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. A time of Fellowship and Celebration of Life for Shirley will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Community Heights Alliance Church Worship Center in Newton, followed by a light lunch in the Gathering Place at the church. The Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the local arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials are being designated to the Newton Christian School, Community Heights Alliance Church or The Navigator's, in Shirley's name. During the Celebration, Shirley will be sharing in song, by CD, that helped shape her life. With a sharing time "of shaped lives" by family and friends who have been touched by Shirley's life and testimony. Shirley Joan Osborne was born February 10, 1936, in Newton, Iowa, the daughter of Gael and Josie (DePrenger) Atwood. She grew up on farm outside of Newton, moved into town at 9 yrs. Was very active in musical groups and graduated of the Newton Senior High School, Class of 1954. She later graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree, Class of 1958 and she sang high soprano as an accomplished soloist. She went on to teach music at Shelton, IA, for several years. Shirley worked as an executive assistant/secretary for The Navigator's ministry, 15 years. That job took her to Long Beach, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Lincoln, NE; Atlanta, GA; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; and San Antonio, Texas. Shirley was united in marriage with George Osborne Jr. in San Antonio, Texas, in 1974, moving to Newton in 1976, to help her mother Josie and started her family. She worked for Newton Christian School as a music teacher. She taught music for many years at Newton Christian School. Shirley became quadriplegic due to a car accident in 1984 but returned to teaching music as soon as she was able. She continued to sing at church and for conference adapting alto. Her story of God's provision through tragedy opened many doors for her to share God's love and the gospel with many more people. She continued in ministry through leading Bible studies, classes, and Prison Fellowship individually or with her husband George. She was very involved and a caring wife, mother and grandmother. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Gael and Josie DePrenger-Atwood; sisters: Bernice Slaven and Fern Axtell-Ostermiller; and brothers: Earl Atwood and Harry Atwood. Shirley is survived by her husband George Osborne Jr. of Newton; her daughter Alicia (Matthew) Murphy of N. Carolina; her granddaughters: Jael and Annabelle Lee Murphy; numerous church family; and brothers and sisters in Christ. Shirley loved life and Jesus with all her heart. She often asked "what would the Lord like me to do (to serve Him) next. Faithful to the end, reading her Bible and praying for each family member and her friends. And Jesus said "Well done my good and faithful servant".