Shirley Ann Sommer, 87, of Temple, Texas, passed away on April 22, 2026. Born April 26, 1938, in Moody, Texas, Shirley’s life was marked by steady devotion—most of all to her faith, her family, and the many communities she served with quiet constancy.
Shirley Ann (Cowan) Sommer was born to Jim Cowan and Mary Etta Goode Cowan in Moody. She graduated from Moody High School in 1956 and went on to graduate from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in 1960 with a B.S. in Business Education. During her time at UMHB, she contributed her time and leadership in numerous organizations, including The Bells Staff; Baptist Student Union, serving as Treasurer; Phi Beta Lambda, as Reporter; Royal Academia Literary Society, as Corresponding Secretary; Sigma Alpha Sigma, as Vice President; and she also served as a five-year assistant to President Dr. Bawcom. She remained a proud UMHB alumna throughout her life.
Her first teaching position was at Academy ISD, where she taught for a few years before beginning a long and meaningful career at Temple Junior College. Shirley retired after 32 years of teaching Bookkeeping, remembered for the diligence and care she brought to her work and for the steady example she set in the classroom.
On May 31, 1974, Shirley married J D Sommer. He preceded her in death, also her stepsons, Russell Sommer and Jeff Sommer; along with her parents.
For more than 60 years, Shirley was a faithful member of Memorial Baptist Church in Temple. She served as organist, co-taught a special needs adult Sunday school class, volunteered in the church office, and was consistently willing to support church activities wherever she was needed. She also participated in Church Women of Temple, holding various offices, and she volunteered for Bell County elections—offering her time with the same dependable spirit that characterized her life of service.
Shirley enjoyed golfing and traveling with JD and many friends. She could often be found reading a book, working the daily puzzles and crypto quip in the newspaper, and keeping a cup of coffee close by. She loved hosting and played 42 weekly with friends. Above all, Shirley loved people and cherished time spent with them. Her greatest love was Jesus and her family.
Shirley is survived by her daughters-in-law, Carol Clements (Michael) and Katharine Sommer; her grandsons, A J Sommer (Rhonda) and Brett Sommer (Kristin); her great-grandchildren, Ryder Sommer and Jenna Sommer; and many cousins and friends.
The family extends special thanks to Wildflower Place Assisted Living for their love, compassion, and care for our TuTu, and to Embrace Hospice for their kindness, comfort, and care during the final days shared together.
Visitation will be held at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Rd., Temple, Texas 76504, on April 28, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am. Funeral Service will follow at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home on April 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Ridge Adams will officiate. A committal service will take place at Moody Cemetery, 1502 S. Lonestar Parkway, Moody, TX 76557.
Memorials may be given in Shirley's honor to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Alumni Association, P.O. Box 8427, Belton, Texas 76513 or Memorial Baptist Church, 6161 South 5th Street, Temple, Texas 76502.
Pallbearers will be A J Sommer, Brett Sommer, Ryder Sommer, Cecil Goode, Jodee Rubac, and Chancey Rubac.
