Shirley Faye Bernard

Born on September 4, 1935, in Thorndale, TX (a mere blip on the map of Texas). Shirley was born a force to be reckoned with. She leaves behind a legacy of tough love, fun, and family and remained a spit fire always spouting cheeky curse words and remaining that force throughout her life.

Shirley is survived by her brother and partner in crime Bobby Lincoln, leaving her sisters Jannie Zercher and Sue McAferty not knowing at times whether to laugh or cry, two sisters-in-law Sarah Lincoln and Shirley Lincoln Bloundt, ten loved grandchildren, including the fired up trio: Chris, Ray, and Randy from oldest daughter Kathy, the mob squad: Rick, PJ, and Jennifer from Judy, and the dynamic crew: Ashley, Austin, Taylor and Laura from her baby daughter Pam…they all made every family gathering a mixture of fun, mischief and an “occasional” fight. And let's not forget her son-in-law Dennis Hyche, who could always count on her for a spicy comeback. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother and father Willie Byrd and Hugh Lincoln. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Almquist, her brothers Ernest, Bill, Elmore, and Ronnie Lincoln and her four daughters: Kathy Boyd, Judy Spivey, Pam Hammack, and Debbie Hyche (hard life events for a mother)

In her quest for life, Shirley played through Thorndale Primary School and danced through Thorndale High School, proving that even a small-town girl can make big waves. She mastered the art of serving up smiles as a carhop at Tags Drive-in, where she met the mustard to her ketchup—the love of her life, Raymond Almquist. Later on, she took charge as the pizza-slinging manager at Pizza Hut, delighting taste buds with her pizza and gourmet salad bar in which she took such pride.

When she wasn't cooking up yummy delights, hunting for bargain treasures (chief shopaholic), whipping up a new outfit, or chicly decorating her home, (later decorating choices became somewhat unique), her true passion lay in creating priceless memories with her loved ones. She always ensured that every gathering was filled with love, good food, laughter, a touch of mischief, (maybe a fight or two) and always trying to take everyone down in a hand of poker (but usually leaving with her money cup empty).

As we say goodbye to our beloved Shirley, let’s come together…letting go of the past, acknowledging all of her…the love, the laughter, the spunky wit, saucy quips and spicy comebacks (and sometimes fiery communication), forgiving where forgiveness is needed, embracing the future.

In her honor, you are invited to gather with family and friends in a memorial celebration to share tears of grief mingled with tears of joy from shared memories and celebrate a life that was anything but ordinary.

The family would like to thank family and friends as well as Janel, Nancy and Bruce from Enhabit Hospice for the love, care and compassion they showed her in her final days.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made to the family to help pay for funeral expenses.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Bernard family.