Shirley Durham O’Quin of Osyka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 19 after a brief illness. She was 90. 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 teaching and coaching career for over 30 years. Coaching basketball was Shirley’s passion. During her career, she had over 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 life doing exactly what she loved: coaching, gardening, making jellies, and playing every sport she could. She considered it a privilege to shape so many young lives and spoke fondly of her many basketball girls and students.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Don and Kerry O’Quin; daughter, Terri O’Quin; grandchildren, Jennifer Anstey, Jeffrey, Jakob, Cheyenne, and Layla O’Quin; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack O’Quin, and six older siblings.