Shirley Leithauser Busby

February 9, 1938 - December 15, 2019

Shirley L. Busby went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at age 81. She is survived by her four children, Lisa (Murray) Seltzer, Hal (Kim) Busby, Joel (Jeanne) Busby, and Jenny (Daryl) Hardy, sister, Jeri Johnson, twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, long time friend Vance Wesson, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jack R. Busby, her parents, Gerald and Nora Leithauser, her brothers, Donald, James, and John Daniel Leithauser, and her sister Loa M. Shivers. Shirley was born in Los Angeles, CA and because of her father’s occupation in the construction industry, she lived in many places in her early years but settled in Alabama in 1945. She graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School in 1956. She then became a Registered Nurse at Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing. She devoted her life to her profession until she retired in her 70’s. During her lifetime Shirley had to deal with much adversity, but somehow always managed to stay calm, and offer simple but constructive advice if requested. She was truly the kindest person we ever knew and was an extremely giving person of all she had to her family, friends and even people she barely knew. She taught by example what real love is, pure, humble, patient, sacrificial and selfless. She always put faith and family first and was never caught up in the ways of the world. She unconditionally devoted her life to her family, children, grandchildren, and siblings. She has left an incredible legacy behind. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Gardendale on Saturday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Birmingham, P.O. Box 12047, Birmingham, AL 35202.