Shirley Ann Allums

Annie Moore. Despite being an only child, her childhood was enriched by the warmth of her extended family. Maternal and paternal uncles, aunts, and grandparents showered her with affection, and she often reminisced with great fondness about how they spoiled her. The memories of those times brought an infectious smile to her face, a testament to the joy she found in their love. Her family and friends affectionately referred to her as "Little Shirlann," a nod to the affection and attention she received. She considered herself blessed to have cousins close in age who were more like siblings.

As a child, Shirley embraced her faith and joined the St. Rest Baptist Church in Minden, LA. She imparted her love of Christ to her children, who regularly attended Sunday School, Church, and Vacation Bible School under her guidance. Her life was a testament to her belief in the importance of helping others.

Later in life, she found a spiritual home at the Mount Olive Church in Arlington, TX, where she served as a deaconess. Shirley derived immense joy from cooking for the church and forming connections with new people who shared her faith. Shirley attended school in Minden, LA, and was an active member of the

Webster High School Class of 1957. She cherished the bonds she formed with her childhood friends and classmates, often attending class and school reunions to reconnect with them. Spending time with lifelong friends brought her immense joy.

In 1954, Shirley entered matrimony with Abrie Allums. This union blessed them with five children and endured for nearly four decades. Her former spouse, a dedicated Air Force member, led the family on a journey that spanned multiple locations, including Shreveport, LA; Guam; Nebraska; Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C., before they finally settled in Arlington, TX.

Shirley was a vibrant and vivacious soul who embraced life to its fullest. She expressed her artistic talents through her love for playing the organ, engaging in arts and crafts, crocheting, painting, and crafting whimsical elephants made from towels. She was a frequent visitor to the Eunice Recreation Center, where she shared her passion for arts and crafts with fellow enthusiasts. In a wonderful display of community service, their group created dolls given to the police department for comforting children during domestic violence calls, a source of immense pride for Shirley, who consistently crafted the most dolls. Her involvement in politics led her to host a Texas gubernatorial candidate in her home.

As her health began to decline, Shirley was cared for with unwavering love by her children. She resided with her devoted daughters, Machelle and Marva, who pampered and adored her. Together with her daughters and their friends, she relished trips to Hawaii, cruises, theater outings, dinners, and surprise birthday celebrations. She was an active presence at various functions alongside her daughter Machelle and Machelle's sorority sisters, who will dearly miss her infectious smiles and warm hugs. Family meant the world to her, and as the beloved matriarch, she hosted over 30 family members, from near and far, for Thanksgiving dinners, a cherished tradition that brought her immense joy.

On September 12, 2023, Shirley transitioned peacefully to heaven in a Dallas, TX hospital. She was reunited with her parents and her son Renard Darnell in the afterlife. Her memory lives on through her sons Wayne (Alecia) Allums of La Plata, MD, and Timothy Allums of Arlington, TX, and her daughters Machelle Allums and Marva Allums of Dallas, TX. Her grandchildren, Kirsten (Thomas) Jett of Grand Prairie, TX; Joshua (DeShante) Allums of Shreveport, LA; Marion (Kim) Allums of Delray, FL; Cyra Allums of Lexington Park, MD; and nephew Gerald Eddings (Joyce) of Houston, TX, will forever hold her in their hearts.

Shirley's earthly presence will be deeply missed, but she now resides in the comforting embrace of the Lord. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and a love for the Lord that assures us we will see her again. Shirley leaves behind a loving extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends turned family who will fondly remember her and the bond they shared.