Obituary

Shirley Durham O'Quin

July 30, 1933 - November 19, 2023

Shirley Durham O’Quin of Osyka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 19 after a brief illness. She was 90 years old. Shirley was born in Durant, Mississippi, on July 30, 1933, to William Edward and Mary Ellen Durham. After graduating from Durant High School, she received a degree in education from Delta State University. She then embarked on a more than 30-year career as a teacher and basketball coach. Coaching basketball was Shirley’s passion. During her career, she had more than 500 high school wins, and her Spring Creek high school basketball team made it to the Sweet 16 of the Louisiana State playoffs several times. She lived a wonderful, full life doing exactly what she loved: coaching, working in the garden, planting flowers, making jellies, and playing any and every sport she could. She considered it a privilege to have the opportunity to shape so many young lives throughout her career, and she often spoke fondly of her many basketball girls and students. 

Shirley is survived by her sons, Don O’Quin and Kerry O’Quin; her daughter, Terri O’Quin; her grandchildren, Jennifer Anstey, Jeffrey O’Quin, Jakob O’Quin, Cheyenne O’Quin, and Layla O’Quin; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Jack O’Quin, and her six older siblings. 

A graveside service will be held at Line Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, on Saturday, November 25, at 10:00 am.  Donations can be made in honor of Shirley to Womenssportsfoundation.org. 

McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.