Sofia Mojica Shirley-Russell, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished family member and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by those who loved her deeply. Her warmth, strength, and generosity touched every life she encountered, and her absence leaves a profound ache in the hearts of all who knew her.
Born with a spirit rooted in love, devotion, hard work, and resilience, Sofia dedicated her life to caring for her family and serving her church community. She was known for her unwavering loyalty, sharp wit and humor, devotion to God, and unmistakable sense of style and flair. Whether giving advice, sharing a home-cooked meal, or simply being there when it mattered most, Sofia lived every day with purpose and heart.
She is remembered for her fierce love of family, her steadfast dedication to those she held close, and the courage and fortitude she carried through every chapter of her life. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the love she gave, the strength she inspired in others, and the family she nurtured with unwavering faith.
Sofia is preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Ray Shirley Sr.; her parents, Fausto Billedoz Villaluz and Marciana Binsol Mojica Villaluz; her siblings Efren Villaluz, Pedro Villaluz, and Rosa Villaluz Pareja; her grandson, Billy Ray Shirley III; and many other beloved family members who welcomed her home.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Russell; her children Marci and Theodore Freeman, Gladys and Sean Longosky, Sofia and Richard O’Neill, Billy Shirley Jr, and Dori and Joseph Fisher; her grandchildren Teddy Jr., Majara, Marcus, Ian, Dominic, Francesca, Joshua, Sarah, Samuel, Seth, Charlotte, Oliver, Gabriel, Darius, Kaliyah, and Jaiden; and her great-grandchildren Lilliana, Arabella, Alycia, Da’Mani, and Rosalind.
A visitation will take place on Friday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary West, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m.
A procession will begin at 1:30 p.m., from Porter Loring Mortuary West to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with committal taking place at 2:30 p.m.
A Celebration of Life reception will begin at 3:30 p.m., at Kumi Seafood Sushi Chinese Buffet, 17333 US-281, San Antonio, TX 78232.
