Shirley was born to Hazel and Walton Bassett December 2, 1935, in De Leon, Texas. She graduated from De Leon High School in 1953 and went on to graduate from Baylor University in 1957. From there, she moved to Austin where she taught Home Economics and Biology at McCallum High School while pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology at the University of Texas. On February 24, 1962, Shirley married the love of her life, Tom Prud’homme, at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, Texas.
Shirley possessed an indomitable spirit and led a life full of love, laughter, service and hard work. While raising five children, Shirley served as one of the first presidents of the Assistance League of Austin. She volunteered at countless church and school fundraisers and events and was a faithful member of Highland Park Baptist Church the majority of her adult life. Shirley’s home was a home to all, making those in her orbit feel special and welcome. She made Friday nights a magical time for her children, throwing weekly pizza parties where all neighbors and friends were invited.
In 1985, Shirley went to work for Amelia Bullock Realtors where she enjoyed a successful real estate career that spanned 30 years. Chosen as an “Elite 25” realtor, Shirley enjoyed selling not only homes but the city of Austin to newcomers (perhaps she did her job too well)! Later in her life, she relished travelling across the country and globe with family and friends. Shirley loved her family and treasured times spent with her scores of nieces, nephews and in-laws; particularly summers and holidays spent at Lake Proctor and the many Prud’homme Family Reunions. Though she loved her career and travel adventures, the greatest joy of her life was being “mom” to her children, “Granna” to her 11 grandchildren, and “GaGa” to her three great grandchildren.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Walton and Hazel Bassett and her husband, Tom Prud’homme.
She is survived by her sister, Jolene Whitehurst; her children, Tommy Prud’homme and wife, Kirsten; Patti Wendlandt and husband, Clark; Becca McDowell and husband, David; Michael Prud’homme; Philip Prud’homme and wife, Michelle Stahl-Prud'homme. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Caitlin Prud’homme and husband Will Scott; Rachel Prud’homme, Jack Prud’homme; Emily Wersig and husband, Michael; Katie Rios and husband, Randy; Michael McDowell and wife, Elizabeth; Kyle McDowell and wife Meghan; Philip McDowell, Sam Prud’homme, Meredith Prud’homme, and Jordie Mehler; as well as her great-grandchildren, Brooks Wersig, Grace Wersig and Isabel Rios.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00am at The Church at Highland Park 5206 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church at Highland Park, thechurchathp.org.
