Shirley's grandfather was James W. Taylor, born in Flat-Creek Township, Stone County, MO. in April, 1859. He died May 31, 1942. According to Shirley, "One of his sons was my father Omer Wilson Taylor born June 9, 1892 in Polk County, MO. He married my mom Emma Jane Walker born July 14, 1895 in Joplin, Jasper County, MO. They were married Dec. 19, 1915 in Lawrence County, MO. They had 15 children from Missouri to Oklahoma. But only 10 lived from that 15, and I am 3rd from the last. There is only 5 of us left now."

"David and Elizabeth were my gr-grandparents. They came from Tennessee, and were married May 19, 1853 Jasper County, MO. Then settled in Flat-Creek Township, Stone County, MO.While there they had 10 children but only 7 lived from that 10. David fought in the Civil War and got a land grant in Stone County. Later they moved to Mount Vernon , Lawrence County, MO. David expired in 1926 and Elizabeth expired in 1929."