Shirley Ann Alexander was born on March 21, 1954, in Jasper, Texas, to Tony Bailey, a tall, strapping young 22-year-old country boy from Sabine, Texas. Her mother, Betty Jean Eskine, a tiny little thing that lived in the towering shadow of her husband, was 19. Shirley helped raise seven siblings - six rambunctious Bailey boys: Tony ‘Allen,’ Randy Dean, Chester ‘Ray,’ Steven Wayne, James Alfred ‘Bubba,' and the baby boy - George Adam. Her one and only sister, Monica Brianne Russell (formerly known as Louise Marie Bailey), who we lovingly called ‘Aunt Dink’ because, like her mother, she was a tiny little thing compared to Paw-Paw and all dem Bailey boys.
Though Shirley was not always accepting -- especially at first, she was always very supportive of her family. She was a central person in the family for keeping those important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, cemetery cleanings, family reunions, … and especially deaths because she didn’t want anyone to be forgotten. Instead, she worked hard to keep communication lines open between family members.
Shirley was amiable and typically one of the primary family members who sought a resolution whenever discord or tension arose. Throughout her life, these traits served her well. Her compassion, caring personality, and understanding of the pain of others drew the respect of many who knew her.
There was always a particular style and temperament to Shirley. She was an expressive personality who was never short on sharing her opinion. She would fiercely defend anyone she felt was given a bum deal, being bullied, or didn’t have a voice. Though she didn’t have an easy life, she often looked to celebrate ‘the sunny side’ whenever possible. She had a knack for being creative and was loyal to a fault. It seemed as if many others looked to Shirley for support, understanding, and even courage. Shirley was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with her loved ones.
She married Jackie Lee Alexander Sr. on September 11, 1970, in Orange, Texas. From their marriage, they had three children, Jackie Lee Alexander, Jr, Melinda Ann (now Murray), and Ora Jean (now Williams), each now with a family of their own.
She was a devoted member of Apostolic Tabernacle (now known as First United Pentecostals of Newton) who spoke fondly of her extended family. She loved her grandbabies and was an avid defender of those in need or less fortunate. She loved arts and crafts and enjoyed making things for her friends and family. Shirley loved her pets – at times probably more than she loved her own children. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and a true friend to many.
She died on May 31, 2022, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family at the age of 68.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Betty Jean, her husband, Jackie Lee, Sr., and step-son, Gamber Friberg. Left behind to celebrate her memory is her loving children, Jackie Lee, Jr., and Renee Alexander; their daughters, Abigail and Madison Alexander; daughters, Melinda Ann and fiance Ralph Richard; and her fur babies; as well as Ora Jean and Herbert Williams; her grandchildren, Charisma Marie, Samuel Ray and a whole pack of their fur babies; Her sweet niece and great friend, Cynthia Alexander; Her six brothers and Pallbearers Tony ‘Allen,’ Randy Dean, Chester ‘Ray,’ Steven Wayne, Sr, James Alfred ‘Bubba,’ and George Adam Bailey and their loving wives; Carolyn, Gail, Hilda, Teresa ‘Tessy.’ Her one and only sister, Monica Brianne. She also leaves numerous nephews and nieces, other relatives, and friends she loved so very much.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the Alexander family.
