Shirley Jean Tate

May 27, 2019

Shirley Jean Roquemore Tate was born in Millsap, Texas on February 4, 1930. She died in Bee Cave, Texas on May 27, 2019 at the age of 89.

Shirley was the daughter of A. J. and Dottie Panola Bradford Roquemore. They, along with her brother and sister-in-law, Clois Dean and Clyde Gray Roquemore, preceded her in death.

Shirley married George Leon Tate on her 20th birthday in Mineral Wells, Texas. "Eddie" died in 1997. She is survived by their 3 daughters - Nancy Thornton and husband, Roy of Driftwood, Texas; Cathy Ice and husband, Tom of Ardmore, Oklahoma; and Susan Ross and husband, Jeff of Houston, Texas.

She is also survived by her much beloved grandchildren who knew her as Grandma and just as affectionately "Squirrely Shirley"- Jay Bradley, Russell Scott and Aaron Gregory Thornton; Lauren Claire and Graham Logan Ice; and Caná Lynn Ross. She was extremely proud of each of them. Grandma took advantage of every opportunity to brag to friends and strangers on how absolutely perfect her grandchildren were.

She also deeply loved those who made the decision to join her "crazy family" when they married her grandchildren. She loved them even more as they returned her-love and spoiled her rotten. They gave Gigi her greatest treasures - her great grandchildren. Gigi deeply loved Brad's wife, Kacey Aslin Thornton and their children, Wyatt Bradley, Anna Jaye, and Weston Henry Thornton. Gigi deeply loved Scott's wife, Stacey Wickwire Thornton and their children, Zoey Elizabeth and Bryce Everett Thornton. Gigi deeply loved Greg's wife, Meredith Benson Thornton and their child, Wilder Tate Thornton. Gigi deeply loved Graham's child, Liam Sawyer Ice. Gigi deeply loved Lauren's husband, Joshua Vincent and their children, Fury and lgon Vincent-Ice. Gigi deeply loved Caná’s husband, Lance Milton and their children, Harper Jade and Silas Tate Ross-Milton.

Shirley was also blessed with a nephew, Phil Roquemore, and a very loving and caring niece, Charlotte Roquemore Byrd and her husband, Andy, who never forgot Aunt Shirley.

Nancy and Cathy join Shirley's family in thanking the compassionate and professional co-workers at Park Manor Bee Cave for their love and humor as they helped Shirley heal in October 2018 and die with grace in May 2019. Nursing worked hand-in-hand with therapies, dietary, maintenance, housekeeping, and administration in providing Shirley with exceptional physical and emotional care.

Shirley wanted her family to remember her with a party rather than a funeral. Following cremation, her family will honor her wishes!