Loomer, born Shirlee Young, grew up in San Jose and graduated from San José State University. She later attended Hollins University in Roanoke, Va., where she earned an art degree. She taught art for six years in Roanoke. Between 1966 and 1986, she served as assistant art supervisor and then art supervisor with the Virginia Department of Education.

During that time, she earned a master's degree in art education from East Carolina University, and a Ph.D. in school administration from a joint program between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

In addition, Loomer was an accomplished artist who exhibited in galleries in Virginia, Oregon and San Jose. After her retirement, she moved to Cupertino where she lived from 1980 to 1995. She and her husband, Cofer, later moved to San Jose and then to Medford where she kept up her art in addition to traveling, playing water volleyball and participating in church activities.

Loomer is survived by her husband, son Coleman Young of Norfolk, Va., sister-in-law Mae Chelbay of San Jose and niece Kirsten Chelbay of Los Gatos.