Shirley Lee (McGill-Lanham) Barber

Shirley Lee Barber (McGill-Lanham), age 92, entered into God’s loving care in the early morning hours of June 6, 2026, at the Loretto Living Center in Loretto, Kentucky.

Born on February 26, 1934, in Louisville, Kentucky, Shirley was the daughter of Arthur McKenna McGill and Virginia Shirley McGill of Springfield and Bloomfield, Kentucky, respectively.

A lifelong resident of Springfield, Shirley attended Saint Dominic Grade School, Saint Catherine Academy, and the Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Nazareth, Kentucky. She often spoke fondly of her childhood and the many happy memories she shared with her brothers, Papa, Mami, and Sis.

Upon graduating as a Registered Nurse, she married Richard Leo Lanham (1928–1991) in 1958. Together they raised five children and a beloved assortment of animals in their home on Locust Drive. Her years there were enriched by the companionship of wonderful neighbors, lifelong friends, and treasured visits from family members.

During her distinguished nursing career, Shirley worked alongside Springfield physician Dr. Snyder. She served as a surgical nurse at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Lebanon, Kentucky, was among the original EMTs with the Washington County Emergency Medical Service, and ultimately concluded her career as Director of Nursing at Sansbury Infirmary in St. Catharine, Kentucky.

Following the death of her first husband, Shirley rekindled a friendship with a childhood friend, James Robert Barber (1929–2020). The two were married in 1997 and shared many happy years together until his passing in 2020.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Joe McGill of Bloomington, Indiana; her children, John Richard Lanham of Louisville, Francis Giles Lanham of Louisville, Stephen Leo Lanham of Richmond, Marianne Lanham Hay of Louisville, and Robert McIntyre Lanham of Louisville; along with Step children, Betty Ann Hamilton of Springfield, Jackie Spalding of Bardstown, Mary Rochelle Copeland of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Joseph Paul Barber of Louisville.

She was preceded in death by her brother, John Arthur McGill of Smithtown, New York; Herman Jerome Barber of Bardstown; James Robert Barber Jr. of San Diego, California; her first husband, Richard Leo Lanham; and her husband, James Robert Barber.

Often described as gracious, elegant, and a true southern lady, Shirley lived a long and meaningful life, spending more than six decades in the home she and her family built in 1960. There she created a place of comfort, hospitality, and love, remaining there until her passing in 2026. Through her devotion to family, her service to her community, and her compassionate nursing career, she touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and care.

Funeral mass will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, June 13, 2026 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Rev. Culpepper Elliott officiating.  Inurnment will be in St. Rose Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 am till time of services on Saturday, June 13 at St. Dominic Catholic Church.

Contributions are suggested to St. Dominic Church.

Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.