Shirley Juanelle (Adams) McMeechan, age 79, passed away on February 17, 2026.
Shirley Juanelle (Adams) McMeechan (October 28, 1946 – February 17, 2026) passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at Hospice of the Ozarks, surrounded by love.
Shirley was born to Oscar Leonard Adams and Charlotte Jean (Jamison) Adams, who preceded her in death, along with her brother George Adams, her sister Flora McConkey, and her beloved son, James McMeechan.
On January 27, 1977, she married William James “Bill” McMeechan in Escondido, California, sharing nearly five decades of marriage and memories together. Soon after, they began their life together in Hawaii, where they spent 14 wonderful years before settling in Gamaliel, Arkansas, where they built their home and community for the past 35 years. Just weeks before her passing, Shirley and Bill celebrated 49 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring commitment to one another.
Shirley began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the age of 18, dedicating more than 40 years of her life to caring for others. Most of her career was spent in labor and delivery, where she helped welcome countless babies into the world. Over the years, women would often stop Shirley, and even her family members when she was not present, to share how much her kindness, skill, and compassionate care meant to them during some of the most important moments of their lives. Even since her passing, those heartfelt testimonies have continued, a lasting reflection of the impact she made.
Her faith in God was the foundation of her life. Shirley’s devotion guided her actions, shaped her character, and strengthened her through both joy and hardship. She lived her faith daily through service, kindness, prayer, and unconditional love for her family and others.
Above all, Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill McMeechan; her daughters, Michelle and her husband Michael Beshears, and Jaimie McMeechan; her step-grandchildren, Michele, Cora, and Mollye; her grandchildren, Hunter and Malia; her great-grandchildren, Madison, Fred, Lila, Ada, Piper, and Ezra; and many cherished friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
It was Shirley’s wish to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at Three Rivers Biker Church in Gamaliel, Arkansas, on February 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Shirley will be remembered for her warm heart, unwavering dedication to others, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, both in her family and in the countless families she cared for throughout her remarkable career.
Arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation located in Lead Hill, Arkansas.
Condolence may be left at www.DiamondStateCremation.com


Stephen Curtis Allen
Jessie Mae “Chubby” Starnes
Donnald Shelley
Donald “Don” Raymond Eudy
Mai Kue Yang Vang