Shirley Laurice Stockton

Shirley Laurice McGee Stockton, 86, of Fresno, California, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, and is now home with her Savior. She was born in Visalia, California, to the late Vera and Ernest McGee. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Imerene McGee, Jeanne Mitchell, Nita Pierce; her brother, John Hayes McGee; and her husband, Frank Stockton, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Shirley and Frank enjoyed experiencing life together, from traveling and discovering new places to attending sporting events and performances at the theater. Their many years together were filled with shared experiences and memories that remained dear to Shirley throughout her life. Shirley was a caring, committed, and loving woman who cared deeply for her family. She cherished being surrounded by those she loved and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her walk with the Lord was an important and enduring part of Shirley’s life. Her faith was not only something she studied, but something she lived out through the compassion, generosity, and genuine interest she showed others. She was a longtime attendee of Bible Study Fellowship, where she also served in leadership positions and remained involved in other women’s Bible studies throughout the years. They were a place where two things that meant so much to Shirley, her love for the Lord and her love for people, came together. Shirley also enjoyed a long and successful career in banking, beginning as a teller with Bank of America. Her years in the banking industry showcased both her sharp intellect and natural gift for numbers. For more than 55 years, numbers remained a part of her professional life, but her ability with them extended well beyond her career. Long after her years in banking, that quick mind and instinct for numbers never left her and remained one of the many talents her family and friends knew well. Shirley also had a special appreciation for jewelry and all things that sparkled, an interest she even turned into a brief venture in the jewelry business. Tennis held an especially meaningful place in Shirley’s life. She could often be found on the tennis court, enjoying the game, the friendships, and, of course, the competition. Shirley loved to compete, no matter the game. Whether it was a tennis match, a game of dominoes, a round of cards, or just about anything that could have a winner, Shirley was ready to play (and she certainly preferred to win). Her quick mind and competitive spirit were part of the energy and personality she brought wherever she went. Shirley never met a stranger. She had a natural way of striking up a conversation wherever she went. Those who knew Shirley knew that she always had a thought to share, a story to tell, and a laugh that made every conversation a little more memorable. Her laughter was one of the many things those who knew her will remember fondly. Whether she had known someone for years or had only just met them, her gift of conversation was one of the many qualities that made her unmistakably Shirley. Kindness was one of Shirley’s defining characteristics. She genuinely cared for others and was generous with her time, attention, and love. Her kindness, generous spirit, memorable laugh, and personality left a lasting impression on the many lives she touched. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Each of these relationships held a special place in her heart. Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her children, Andrea (Scott) Wheeless, Greg (Belinda) Smith, Shelley (Mitchell) Buckley, Gail (Bob) Kaufmann, and Neil (Denise) Stockton. As well as her adored 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Along with her beloved sisters, Wanda (Rod) Owens, and Willa Copeland; and numerous nieces and nephews. While her presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that the faith she held so dearly has been fulfilled and that she is now at home with the Savior she loved and faithfully followed. The memories, stories, lessons, and love she leaves behind will continue to be carried through the generations of her family.Visitation will be held at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Celebration of Life will be held at Classic Catering at 625 4th Street, Clovis, CA 93612, on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 3:00 pm.