As of Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Nov. 26, 1934 – Aug. 15, 2025
Shirley Lucille Ebright-Shipman, age 90, of Joplin, passed away on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Freeman Hospital.
Shirley was born on Nov. 26, 1934, in Webb City, to the late union of George and Mildred (Johnson) Breeden. She was a 1952 graduate of Webb City High School. After graduating High School, she worked at a small insurance agency for five years while taking some classes at Joplin Junior College and Joplin Business College.
In 1960, she married Eugene Ebright, and together they were blessed with 17 years of marriage before his unexpected passing in 1977. Later on, she married Bill Shipman in 1982. Together they shared memories for 13 years before deciding to go their separate ways.
She was a member of Joplin First Church, P.E.O. Chapter F.I., Spiva Art, Joplin Historical Society and Republican Women. She was also on the Board of St. John’s Auxiliary, Women’s Club, and Women of Kiwanis. She received awards from 1997 to 2003 for the Hundred Club Mercy Regional Health Foundation. Although she never had children, she made sure to spoil her nephews and niece.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her niece, Beth Snow; and one sister, Evelyn June Ewing.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Carolyn Snow, of Joplin; two nephews, Brice Snow and Mike Ewing; one stepson, Dusty Shipman; and one stepdaughter, Jill Shipman-Dehardt.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Joplin First Church, with the Rev. Dexter Snyder officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Oct. 18, 1958 –
Bradley Dwayne Gadberry, age 66, went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma cancer.
Brad was born on Oct. 18, 1958, in Tulsa, Okla., to Riley and Patsy Gadberry and later moved to Webb City. He graduated from Central Christian Academy and went on to study at Rhema Bible College. He had one brother, Brian Richardson (Cindy), of Webb City, whom he loved dearly.
On March 31, 1984, Brad married the love of his life, Kim Gadberry. Together, they raised two daughters, Jennifer Gibben-s (Julie) and Ashley Smith (Nick), who were the light of his life and his greatest earthly treasures. Brad’s family was his heart, and he poured his love into every moment with them. He found joy in every moment spent with his grandchildren, Parker, Christian, Skylar, Eli, Owen, Kyzer, Summer and Vayda. He loved them fiercely and fully. His greatest joys in life were his family and his faith, and he lived every day with that devotion.
As a young man, Brad became actively involved with Central Christian Center, formerly Central Assembly, where he served passionately in the bus ministry. As a captain, he joyfully brought children to church each week, often going above and beyond to ensure they made it. He fondly recalled knocking on doors and even stepping in to help get kids ready when their parents were still asleep. Many of those children, now grown, still remember his kindness and dedication.
Brad later became the youth pastor at Central Christian Center, serving in that role for 18 years. He was deeply invested in the lives of the youth, leading countless adventures – from summer church camps, mission trips to Mexico, and mid-year conferences, to theme park outings, lock-ins, concerts, and whitewater rafting trips. Brad always believed in doing things with excellence, often echoing the words of his father: “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing it right.” His events were filled with food, fun, and meaningful connection, and they left a lasting impact on generations of young people.
In addition to his youth ministry, Brad also led a Bible study for many years, sharing his love for God’s Word and encouraging others to grow in their faith.
Beyond his ministry, Brad was a man of many talents. After retiring from church leadership, he opened a photography studio in downtown Joplin. His passion for photography touched many lives through weddings, school events, sports games, businesses, and especially through the lens he turned lovingly on his grandchildren.
Brad had a green thumb and took pride in growing plants from seeds during the winter, ensuring a vibrant and beautiful garden by spring. He was also a wonderful cook and baker, known for making cakes for his grandkids and having a warm, home-cooked meal ready for Kim every evening.
Above all, Brad’s life was defined by his unwavering faith in the Lord, his servant’s heart, and his deep love for people. He performed many weddings and funerals and was always ready with a helping hand at church or in the community. He was a devoted husband, father, papa, brother, pastor, and friend. Brad’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the many lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in knowing he is now in the presence of Jesus.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the Joplin Church of God 7th day, 2225 N. St Charles Ave. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
May 19, 1984 – Aug. 19, 2025
Sheena Cathleen McBroom, 41, of Webb City, passed away peacefully after a courageous and unwavering battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. She was born on May 19, 1984, in Neosho, to Jean Steely and Steve Taylor.
Sheena’s life was marked by joy, resilience, and an adventurous spirit. For the past 10 years, she was a valued member of the Schuber Mitchell Homes team, where her dedication and work ethic touched many lives. She loved to travel the world, embracing each new place with enthusiasm. When asked if she simply wanted to go everywhere, she replied without hesitation, “Everywhere is on my list.” She approached each journey with curiosity, savoring adventurous cuisine and new experiences along the way.
Food was one of Sheena’s love languages, but her deepest devotion was to her family – especially her beloved son, Hayden. Her marriage to Josh, her husband of 20 years, was a partnership filled with laughter, mutual respect and steadfast love.
Sheena’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she found peace in His promise of eternal life. She radiated joy and lived each day with zeal, leaving a legacy of kindness, courage, and deep love for others.
Sheena is survived by her parents, Jean Steely and Steve Taylor; her sister, Christina Camping,
of Colorado; her grandmother, Leta Taylor; her son, Hayden McBroom; and her husband, Josh McBroom. She will also be remembered fondly by her extended family, countless friends, and all whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Sheena’s life will be held at Carterville Christian Church on at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. In honor of her love for food and fellowship, the family invites attendees to stay for lunch in the atrium. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park.
Dec. 20, 1934 – Aug. 17, 2025
Retta Fern Neely, age 90, of Joplin, went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Elkland, Mo. Fern was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Weir, Kan., to the late Lloyd and Ruth (Ristau) Smith.
Fern married Robert Neely on Feb. 20, 1954, in Columbus, Kan., and they were inseparable until his passing in June of 2009. Fern worked at a young age for O&F Machine Shop in Webb City before eventually becoming a full-time homemaker. Once the kids were on their own, she found time to enjoy flea marketing, weekly garage sales and watching her St. Louis Cardinals. She eventually found her dream job, working at Peddler’s Junction Flea Market in Crestline, Kan.
Fern was a faithful and long-time member of Prairie Flower Bible Church in Webb City, where she was active in serving in many areas within the church.
Those left to mourn her passing include her daughters, Deanne Hartwell (Dale), of Marshfield, Yleen Hartwell (David), Elkland; sons, Dennis Neely (Diane), Joplin, and David Neely (Denise), Joplin; sister, Shirley York, Asbury; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends.
Additionally, Fern is preceded in death by a great-grandson, Ethan Hartwell.
Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Prairie Flower Bible Church in Webb City, with visitation starting at 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Flower Bible Church, in care of Parker Mortuary.
A committal of ashes will take place at a later date in Crocker Cemetery, south of Pittsburg, Kan.
Dec. 2, 1935 – Aug. 10, 2025
Rita Geraldine “Jeri” Tisdale, a cherished mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Aug. 10, 2025, at the age of 89, following a recent decline in health. She spent her final days surrounded by love and care at the Autumn Place Assisted Living facility in Joplin.
Born on Dec. 2, 1935, in Carterville, Jeri was the beloved daughter of George and Bernice (Woodard) Taylor. She grew up in Webb City, where she formed lifelong friendships.
Jeri’s professional life was marked by her role as an executive secretary at Bagcraft, where she retired in 1993 after many years of dedicated service. On April 2, 1983, she married Alvan Tisdale, and together they shared many happy years until his passing on March 20, 2018.
Jeri was of the Baptist faith. Her conviction was a guiding light throughout her life and provided her with comfort during times of joy and sorrow.
Jeri found great joy in fishing, casino hopping and estate sales. Her laughter and enthusiasm were infectious, and she had a unique ability to make every outing an adventure.
Jeri’s legacy is carried on by her two children, Deborah McBride and her husband Mike, of Webb City, and Don Yocum and his wife Tammie, of Cape Coral, Fla.; two stepchildren, Frank Tisdale and his wife Pat, Joplin, and Sabrina “Sue” Cook and her husband Mitch, Joplin; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Jeri was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alvan; and her sister, Barbara Kennon.
Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery; officiated by Zack Thomas. Arrangements were under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
