On the 6th of March 2020, Shirley Baker Maughn went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, after 79 years of blessings. Shirley was born on the 19th day of November 1940 in Henderson, Texas. She and her younger sister, Connie Ray, were the only children born to Nora Ophelia and Merval “Ray” Roach. Shirley was brought up in a loving home, based on Christian values. From a young age and throughout her adult life, she was active in her church community through her talent of singing and playing piano.
Growing up and working in the family-owned printing business, Shirley learned the value and importance of a strong work ethic from her father, Ray Roach, which inspired her to set goals to further her education in court reporting. She attended McMahon College of Court Reporting, earning her certification by the Texas Supreme Court as a Certified Court Reporter - April 15, 1978. After owning A-Plus Court Reporting firm for many years, she was asked to join Houston Community College to enhance and instruct the curriculum of court reporting. Toward the end of her extensive tenure of heading the department, she launched Shirley Baker School of Court Reporting – and later, to be known as Shirley Baker Career Institute. At that time, it was the only private school in Houston, which had an enrollment of 400-plus students with a waiting list for entry. Over 20 years, the school produced a multitude of graduates who serve throughout the State in the court system and in various private freelance opportunities.
Being the entrepreneur, she was, Shirley ventured into the beauty industry by opening Royal Beauty Careers, a cosmetology school. After a period of five years, she retired to the Lake Conroe area where she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and her beloved dog “Baby”.
She is predeceased by her husband, Donald Maughn, her father Merval “Ray” Roach and mother Nora Ophelia Roach.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Deana Raye Bearden and husband, William Bearden, stepson, W.T. Maughn and wife, Gina Maughn; her grandchildren, Cory Stayton, Cody Stayton; step-grandchildren, Leticia Maughn and Liam Maughn; her sister, Connie Ray Nelson; nephew, Clifton Nelson and wife, Colleen Nelson and children, Devin, Dustin and Sydnee Nelson; niece, Shannon Rae Sedoff and husband, Shawn Sedoff and children, Caitlin and Brennan Sedoff.
Memorial service August 21, 2021 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. Family and Friends Reception 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Service 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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