Memorial services for 74-year old Shirley Poor Thunder will be held at a later date that will be set based on family schedules and resources.
A spiritual ceremony with immediate family was held Dec 30th, 2023, to send off her spirit.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested to send memorials or donations to Sioux Funeral Home C/O Shirley Poor Thunder, PO Box 277, Pine Ridge, SD 57770.
Online condolences may be left at Siouxfuneralhome.com
Shirley Ann Poor Thunder, also known as “Wiwanyang Gli Naj Winyan” in Lakota, peacefully entered eternal rest on December 26, 2023 in Rapid City, SD after a brief illness. Shirley was born on April 29, 1949 to Doreen Red Cloud and Wilson (Charlie) Poor Thunder in Red Shirt, SD.
Shirley was the first born of six children. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, determination, and a big-hearted spirit dedicated to preserving and advocating for Native American culture/communities.
In Shirley’s early childhood years, her family moved to the Red Cloud community, where she attended school. She later enrolled in Holy Rosary Mission where she graduated in 1967. Shirley’s educational journey led her to receive a four-year scholarship to Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.
Shirley had many notable accomplishments throughout her career. She started her employment in 1970 with Western South Dakota Community Action Agency with the Elderly Meals Program in the bookkeeping department. She remained there until 1975 when she accepted a position as the Community Health Director of the Rapid City Health Board.
Her career path then led her to Tacoma, WA, where she served as the Tacoma Indian Center Director in 1978. Later that year, she started her federal service employment with Administration for Native Americans, US DHHS Regional Office, in Denver, CO.
This became a steppingstone for her long and fruitful administrative career where she later relocated to Washington DC.
There she was employed by various Federal agencies that awarded grants to Tribal programs and communities, positions that showcased her unwavering commitment to the Native community.
More specifically, from 1980 to 1984, she served as a Senior Program Specialist for the American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start Program, followed by a position as a Health System Analyst for Indian Health Service in Rockville, Maryland, from 1984 to 1995.
She continued onto Winnebago, NE, where she served as the Service Unit Director until her well-deserved retirement in 2000.
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Shirley received numerous accolades, including receiving an award from the Americans for Indian Opportunity in 1982 and in 1995, the prestigious and coveted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Award.
She was recently recognized by the Oglala Sioux Tribe, receiving a Presidential Proclamation from President Frank Star Comes Out on November 25, 2023, in honor of her years of dedication and commitment to help address and educate members on various tribal and government policies and laws using her education and government experience to protect and promote the betterment of the Great Plains Nation.
Her dedication to public service continued post-retirement, including political appointments of the John Yellow Bird-Steele Administration, various health consultancy roles, and her impactful work with the Lakota People Law Project from 2015 to 2018.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shirley actively participated in organizations like the National Welfare Rights, Rapid City Health Board, and Rapid City Indian Service Board, actively demonstrating through her engagement, her unwavering commitment to community welfare.
Shirley is survived by her loving daughter Lorleen Poor Thunder-Hutcherson and cherished grandchildren Chyna Poor Thunder-Hutcherson and London Poor Thunder-Hutcherson and a large extended Poor Thunder and Red Cloud family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Doreen and Charlie; her sister, Charlene; and her brothers, Dale, Charles and Gary. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Chief Red Cloud, (Mahpiya Luta) who was a leader of the Oglala Lakota nation from 1865-1909, a highly respected and revered member of Oglala Lakota Nation, recognized for his successful role in opposing control of land in Wyoming and Montana.
Shirley will be remembered for being proud of her heritage, keeping and sharing tribal traditions and customs; she was skilled in making beaded jewelry and gave freely to family and friends.
She will also be remembered for staying true to her values and sharing her perspectives to further understanding. Her spirit will forever inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude for prayers and acts of kindness extended to them during this difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD