Vereen Lou Shockley

Vereen Lou Shockley, born July 6, 1940, in Beacon, New York, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, and a good and faithful servant, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at home in Boise, Idaho with her daughter by her side, after her battle with severe anemia. She was 85 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Elsie (Whipple) Sterett, infant brothers Leighton and Darold, brother Clarence Lon, sisters Geneva Thieven, Anita Humphrey and husband Gene Shockley.

She is survived by her son Kirk and Valerie Carlson, and daughter Vennae and Dale Pipkin both of Boise, Idaho. Her grandchildren Josh and Jess, Cody and Ciara along with great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Sherrie Crawford of Wyoming, Michigan along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She carried the value of faith, kindness, hard work, throughout her life, inspiring countless people with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for God, family and community. After growing up in Montana, she graduated from Peerless High School where she received a scholarship to pursue nursing, but chose a different path, one that led her to build a loving family. She worked as a telephone operator, factory jobs, retail and dry cleaning until eventually she owned her own drycleaners.

Like all Sterett women she was famously strong-willed, stubborn, incredibly smart, and quick-witted, with a bold, bright, and beautiful personality that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a remarkable presence and could light up a room without saying a word. Always fashionable and full of grace, she carried herself with confidence and style. Above all, she was known for her kindness, her adventurous spirit, and faith in God, family, and friends.

Vereen was a woman of profound faith. She cherished life’s simple pleasures like Pepsi with salted peanuts and treasured time spent with loved ones. With her beloved husband, Gene, she was able to venture out and travel to other countries, islands, and beaches. The beach was one of her favorite places to be, and her favorite vacation destination was the Cayman Islands, whose beauty left her in awe.

In her later years, Vereen was blessed to reunite with her brother and sisters when they all settled in Sun City, Arizona. She enjoyed hosting family get-togethers for holidays and game nights, always making sure there was plenty of dessert to share. One of her favorite pastimes was playing the card game Shanghai with family and friends.

After Gene passed away, Vereen began spending three to four months each year in Boise, Idaho, visiting her children and grandchildren and celebrating holidays together. She treasured that time with her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In 2018, she made Boise her home and quickly built meaningful friendships within the community. She enjoyed playing bingo, taking trips to Jackpot and Winnemucca, gathering with friends, and sharing lunches with her grandchildren and daughter.

Vereen especially loved spending time at her daughter’s daycare, where she delighted in meeting the children and often considered them her additional grandchildren. She also enjoyed accompanying her daughter to work, helping answer phones or simply sitting in the office visiting and enjoying the company. Whether she was spending time with family, friends, or new acquaintances, she had a gift for making people feel welcomed, loved, and valued.

Her unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, kindness, strength, and vibrant personality touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. God received you the way you asked and that was “not to be alone.”

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

— Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Vereen’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity that was close to her heart.

Vereen’s service will be held on

Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 A.M

at Boise RV Travel Park’s Clubhouse

7801 W Lemhi Street

Suite #1

Boise, Idaho 83709