Remembering Shirley Tyree: A Pioneer for Omaha Girls and Public Schools
BY ELLE LOVE
In mid-January of 2021, North Omaha lost a cherished matriarch and pioneer for Omaha Public Schools. Shirley Tyree was a fierce advocate for Omaha Public Schools’ students and staff while serving the Board of Education for 20 years. Tyree, 82 died January 12 in her home surrounded by family members after her battle with blood cancer.
Former Omaha Public Schools (OPS) Director Luanne Mainelli Nelson who worked with Tyree said she had “a calm and direct way getting her point across when discussing issues impacting her OPS family.”
CT of Girls Inc. says Tyree generously gave her smile to those who had the opportunity to work with her.
Image credit: Thomas Funeral Home
Nelson added, “Shirley also had a great sense of humor and a delightful witty personality,” Many who worked with Tyree remember her leadership and integrity along with her tough yet loving approach with the young women she mentored in Girl’s Inc.
“She was good with the girls, She was like the grandma hand with the girls when she interacted with them,” said Girls Inc. Director of Health called CT who hired her to be a part-time mentor at Girls Inc Omaha.
"Whenever you saw her, she is just a very happy person, just a very happy spirit,” noted CT.
CT remembers breezing by Tyree’s office door hearing her humming and singing, which would make her linger by her door to hear more. “I didn’t stick my head in the door because then she would stop and talk so I would just slowly pass, but whenever she does talk with others, there’s always a smile on her face.
CT said Tyree has brought a lot of joy to the Omaha community through her talent, then she blessed the community with her daughter, local legend, “Omaha’s Own Queen of Soul” Kathy Tyree.
“Who could ask for anything more?... I did have the opportunity numerous times to see the two of them sing together which was outstanding.”
Tyree is also well-known in the local theatre community in Omaha with her appearances at the Omaha Playhouse, the Dundee Dinner Theater, and the Center Stage. Along with her daughter Kathy, Shirley Tyree is also survived by Tyree is survived by her three sons: Darwin Seals of Omaha, Curtis Tyree of Las Vegas NV, and DJ Tyree of Omaha; stepdaughter Antoinette Russ of Omaha; sister: Vyree (Karl) Russell of Omaha; godsister: Beatrice Coleman; goddaughter: Lisa Tarver of Omaha; 17 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.