Shirley Jean Clayton

June 5, 1956 – October 30, 2025

Shirley Jean Holmes, née Clayton, was born on June 5, 1956, in Tucson, Arizona, and passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She is lovingly survived by her eldest son, Westley Sanford, her youngest daughter, Tanisha Sanford, and her cherished grandson, Preston. She also leaves behind members of the Clayton family, and a multitude of dear friends whom she loved like family.

Shirley dedicated 39 years of service (May 1981 to January 2021) to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, serving as both a Corrections Officer and later as a Public Safety Support Specialist. She took great pride in her work and in helping others, earning the admiration and affection of everyone who knew her. To her colleagues and friends, she was simply “Shirl” — a trusted friend, a source of laughter, and a light in even the toughest moments.

After retiring, Shirley fully embraced life’s simple joys. She loved watching her soap operas, spending time with her children and grandson, coordinating retiree luncheons, and recently began taking girls’ trips that filled her heart with laughter and adventure.

Her humor and warmth could brighten any room and lift any spirit. Shirley had an extraordinary gift for making others feel safe, seen, and loved — especially when sharing her famous sweet potato pies.

Shirley possessed one of the kindest spirits this world has ever known. Her legacy lives on in her children, her grandson, and in every life she touched.

Though we miss her with every fiber of our being, we find peace in knowing that she is no longer in pain, and that she has been reunited with her mother, other loved ones and her friends in Heaven. We will honor her every day by showing gratitude and kindness as she did, and we pray her love will continue to guide and comfort us.