Memorial
Shirley A. Mincey, 94, of Cedar Rapids, passed away, Monday, March 24, 2025, at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids, surrounded by her loving family. There will be a Celebration of Life Reception on Sunday, April 6, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at the Cedar Memorial Family Center.
Shirley was born March 17, 1931, the daughter of Leo and Lillian (Eggleton) Simmons, in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended Anchorage High School in Louisville. After graduating, she studied at the University of Louisville, majoring in Secretarial Science. Later, she worked in office administration for Farm Bureau of Ky.
The first time she saw Harold Mincey, he was singing in the choir at Deer Park Baptist Church, where she was a member, and he was youth minister. They soon fell in love, married, then moved to their first home in Fort Worth, Texas. They later returned to Kentucky, where Harold's career as a minister continued, and Shirley was able to reconnect with two cherished friends, Bettie (Bowles) Banks, both skilled skaters during their teens, and Mary (Bevins) Pfeiffer, with whom she shared a love of dancing. These friendships endured throughout their lives.
The Mincey family moved to Columbus, Indiana in 1970, where Harold became senior pastor at First Baptist Church. Never the typical preacher's wife, Shirley nevertheless made great friends there and co-led with Harold several marriage enrichment conferences. She and church secretary Margaret Eddelman became especially close, and their friendship continued to thrive after Shirley and Harold moved to Iowa in 1978. Shirley and Harold enjoyed 62 wonderful years together. Harold died in 2016.
Survivors include her three children, Jeff Mincey, Neil (Mary Blount) Mincey, Joy Mincey Powell; five grandchildren, James (Melissa) Mincey, Spring (Jason) Van Houten, Ashley (Ian) Moore, Tyler (Kelsey) Blount, Jacob Blount, seven greatgrandchildren, and special family friend Barbara Raye.
Throughout her life, dogs, cats, and parakeets enjoyed the benefit of Shirley's love and care. She was a loving wife, mother and friend, and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa Humane Alliance, in Cedar Rapids, or Animal Welfare Friends, in Monticello.