Shirline (Bell) Getter

Shirline Bell Getter—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, soror, teacher, and friend—was born June 18, 1935 to Edward and Lottie Bell in St. Louis, Missouri.  After graduating from Vashon High School, she studied at Lincoln University where she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority in 1958.  After obtaining her Bachelor of Education in 1959, she began her career with the St. Louis Public School system, teaching at Gundlach Elementary School. 

In 1969, she transferred to Pierre Laclede Elementary School, teaching primarily first grade students as well as providing vocal music instruction. During her tenure at Laclede School, she served as Chairperson of the Teachers Courtesy Committee for 30 years and chaired numerous Honors Day and special programs committees.  She found the time to obtain her Master’s of Arts in education from Maryville University in 1989. She also helped Laclede School earn the 2003 National Blue Ribbon and State Gold Star Awards.  After her 31-year tenure at Laclede School, she retired from the St. Louis Public School system in 2001. However, she continued her service to Laclede School for 3 additional years as a volunteer, tutoring students and assisting the next generation of classroom teachers.  While teaching full-time at Laclede School and even into retirement, she taught piano lessons part-time to generations of music students who were the children of close family friends, belonged to her church family, belonged to her neighborhood, belonged to her AKA family, and those who belonged simply because they wanted to challenge themselves.  Notably, she also joined the ranks of being a Pearl member in the AKA sorority for her 66 years of active service.

Shirline is preceded in death by her husband, Donald, of 53 years. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons Darryl and Derrick; a daughter-in-law, Yolanda; three grandchildren, Derrah, Derrick, Jr., and Donovan; lifelong friend Mrs. Mary Montgomery, relatives, and all very special friends and neighbors.  Shirline departed this life on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. She was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.

The family of Shirline B. Getter wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, calls, visits, and generous, loving expressions of concern and care during this time of grief and sadness for one so dear.  May the Lord bless and keep each and everyone of you in the palm of His hand.

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