For many whose life crossed her path she will be remembered for her rare combination of strength and tenderness.
Born on February 6, 1936 to Ruth Mason and Claude Joseph Borden in Houston, Shirley graduated from Missouri City High School (Class of ’54). She then earned her bachelor’s degree in education from The University of Texas at Austin and her master’s degree from the University of Houston.
Shirley was a devoted and exceptional special education teacher and mentor. The gratitude expressed by parents and former students for how she touched their lives extended well into her retirement.
She rejoiced in many walks with her church family at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany and her fellow volunteer angels at Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS). She found comfort and renewal “digging in the dirt” and in her friends in the Quail Valley Garden Club. If you knew her, you were probably on her annual caladium bulb sales list.
Energized by countless interests, she was constantly on the go, particularly if it involved a good margarita.
Her lifetime in southeast Texas brought a vast, diverse, and loving circle of friends; young and old, long-time and new. Your heartfelt expressions of support and love over these recent months have been overwhelming. To her last day she spoke of how blessed she was to have (each of) you in her life, and she meant it.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Claude and Ruth, brother Roland, aunt Shirley and grandfather Roland Mason, all of Missouri City and Houston, Texas.
She is survived by her husband, Alford Renfrow Jr. After rekindling a relationship born in high school, their joyous marriage in 1999 brought love and gratitude into both families.
At all times a wonderful and loving mother, she is also survived by her son, Greg Hopper; stepdaughter, Julie Arvey; and nephew Chris Borden.
The family will receive friends and guests for visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 pm at The Settegast-Kopf Co at Sugar Creek 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478.
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11:00 am at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 9600 S. Gessner Road, Houston, Texas, 77071. Pastor Patrick Hall Officiating , Interment to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery 6900 Lawndale St Houston, TX 77023. The Funeral Service will be streamed live beginning at 10:30 am at https://youtu.be/rIlkeB2s-Jw.
In lieu of flowers, Shirley would be honored by any support given to Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS), also located at 9600 S. Gessner Rd., Houston, Texas, 77071. This is a wonderful organization that can be reached at (713) 270-0369; and www.echos-houston.org
The family wishes to note that all COVID protocols are a personal choice, but encouraged as appropriate.
Arrangements are being handled by The Settegast - Kopf Co At Sugar Creek Funeral Directors
15015 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land Texas 77478
(281) 565 - 5015.
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