Shirley O. Ferguson

Shirley Olivier Ferguson passed away peacefully on Thursday, the 12th of March 2026, at her residence at The Buckingham, Houston, Texas. She was 101 years of age. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana on the 28th of January 1925, Shirley spent most of her adult life in Beaumont, Texas before moving to Houston 11 years ago to be closer to her children.

Shirley and her husband Don raised their family in Beaumont and Shirley was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church for over 64 years. During that time she became an avid gardener, spending many hours “digging in the dirt” and eventually became certified as a Master Gardener. She also enjoyed sewing clothes for her daughters and became an accomplished seamstress in the process. She loved playing card games, and when introduced to Bridge, her mind found a game dear to her heart and she became a tournament player and earned the honor of Life Master. Around the time the children were leaving home, Shirley started oil painting and discovered she had natural talent, which led to a desire to know more about art history. She enrolled at Lamar University and after 11 years of work and study, she graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree. Shirley also was involved at her church in the R.C.I.A. and ACTS programs and in adult Bible studies. She has left her family with their most precious treasures: a very strong sense of her faith beliefs, a multitude of oil paintings that grace their homes, a love of travel, memories of joyful family gatherings and an appreciation of her sense of humor.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Donald C. Ferguson. Those surviving family members are: Carmen Anne Sullivan and husband Charles of Houston; Jeanne Marie Chaffee and husband Jay Allen of Houston; Donald C. Ferguson and wife Angel of Piedmont Alabama; and Dorothy Diane Wrigge and husband Joe of Hitchcock, Texas. She also leaves behind four grandchildren; Robin Hooks and husband David of San Antonio, Russell Sullivan and wife Ashley of Belmont, California; Christopher Allen Chaffee and wife Danielle of Houston; and Samuel Allen Chaffee and wife Samantha of Houston; 5 great grandsons and 3 great granddaughters. Shirley’s only surviving sibling is Phyllis Olivier Bruce of Fairhope, Alabama.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the full-time caregivers who served Mom with great love, attention and respect and to Bayou City Hospice for walking with us during Mom’s last 16 months with their expertise and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 24th of April, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive in Houston, where The Rev. Francis Macatangay is to officiate.

The family will gather later for the Rite of Committal in the Columbarium at Saint John The Evangelist Cathedral in Lafayette, Louisiana.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to St Cecilia Catholic Church, Charity Guild of Catholic Women or a charity of your choosing.

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