Classy tattooed lady

Historical Photo:
 Riding carriages was tough when hoops were in style. The hoops were removed and hung on the back of the carriage.

 

If you read this Blog, you know I lost my last sibling a few weeks ago. For you that have been responsible for handling debts or wills for a deceased love one know it is not a cake walk. We are awaiting all the final bills and it keeps you a little on edge. Not the actual financial end, but the time and wondering. In fact Shirley had planned and was ready for these bills, so they will be paid. Since I am her executor I want it over so we can head off into the sunset and actually take time to remember and enjoy Shirley’s life in memories. 
 
She was a good sister. In fact this girl was unique of all my siblings. None of the rest of us sought ‘class.’ Even Brother Jr. the millionaire looked no different than a carpenter or plumber. Now Shirley was different, she WAS classy! She

often told me, “Some people think I am ‘stuck-up’, but I am not.”
She fit right in with the folks in our local ‘Historical Society’, they even elected her to the Board.

Really she was not (stuck up), she was a barrel of fun and always ready for a laugh, usually caus
ing it.  However when her mind was good, she always walked out of her house dressed to the “9’s.”  Or as BIL Dick would say, “She looked just like she stepped out of a band box!”

She was raised in the Church of God. If you are familiar with our past you know we frowned on ‘jewelry’ even wedding bands. Later in life she loved her jewelry. Now you might know gold and diamonds, but I'm telling you I cannot tell glass from diamond. I cannot look at a piece and tell if it is gold or fake.

 Once she showed up at Hardee's with her arms completely tattooed (apparently). She got a kick out of removing the molded arm sleeves, everyone else did too!

Shirley could wear a BIG fake diamond and it was real to the average onlooker.

Diamonds…. Shucks there in lies the problem. This girl had at least 50 necklaces and 100’s of rings and other jewelry items. If I had not found a couple ‘receipts’ for diamond and gold I would not have been concerned. But with hundreds of pieces of jewelry and finding receipts for several hundreds and one thousand+ dollars (her hubby had bought), I got worried.

I ordered a couple jewelers eye-pieces to try to find the gold and also a piece of equipment that would ID a diamond. I have now found the three diamonds that were insured and most of the gold. The gold was mostly wedding bands, college and HS rings. One Gold item was from Aunt Jo (hubby’s side). She was Miss EXXON in the 40’s. She was awarded a 14K gold money clip with a small knife and nail file. It weighs 48 grams. Subtracting the stainless it is probably 40 grams of gold. At about $40 a gram that would be a hefty sum. Altogether the total value is less than $5000.
I am saving that for her step-sons. My sister’s one drawback, was she was the poster child, ‘standard step-mom’. She could have been more loving. Of course the boys have never confided in me how they felt about Shirley, but I doubt if they held her in high regard. I may or may not find out.

But she had two great step-sons, but I do not think she ever knew it. I always admired the boys, they were never a big problem growing up. It is for sure they never had to get them out of jail.



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