Shirley Mary Stephenson

Shirley Mary Stephenson passed away in Spring, Texas, on April 25, 2022, two weeks shy of her 88th birthday. She was born in Walcott, Minnesota in 1934 and was raised by her Grandmother. It was a tough early life for Shirley, but that helped form the person she became. After moving from Minnesota with her cousin to California, she met a handsome young sailor from Texas. His name was Ronny and they were soon madly in love.

After getting married and starting their family, they moved to Texas, settling on several acres in Pasadena, where they raised animals and worked a garden that was an acre big! They also blessed the world with five beautiful children, who all grew up strong and self-reliant. Sadly the marriage didn’t last, but there was certainly some magic in Ronny and Shirley’s genes. Their five offspring created a second generation of beautiful, hard-working, solid kids. And now, Shirley and Ronny’s grandchildren are continuing that tradition.

Shirley was strong and independent, never marrying again. She loved her kids, drove them crazy at times, but they knew she always had their back. She worked many years as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell tyl she retired. Her greatest joy was her family; she was deeply proud of them all.

Her real calling in life was being a grandmother. Memaw’s house was a place where kids could be kids. In the summertime they could run free and get a little wild; Memaw never said no to a reasonable amount of mischief! There was a trampoline to jump on, games of Uno to play, and always classic country music playing in the background, with Ray Price being her favorite. There were always surprises at Memaw’s house. She was a great cook and made the best French toast and sweet tea. There was always Blue Bell and Popsicles in the freezer, and sticky fingerprints on the screen door. There were squirrel and birdfeeders that got filled, but with no amount of begging would she allow the animals to be shot! She was the kind of grandmother that would let you drive her big four-door Oldsmobile around the backyard to learn how to drive. She planted whole carrots from the grocery store in her garden, just so the kids could pull them up. She would spend the night on Christmas Eve, to be with them the next morning to see what Santa had brought.

She loved her kids and grandkids more than anything else in the world. She was very accommodating. They knew she’d always be there for them. She was never too busy to pick up the phone and always available for a visit or to come help with the kids. Memaw loved big. All Shirley wanted out of life was for her family to be happy. A simple yet powerful way to live.

Her memorial service will be Wednesday May 4, 2022 at Forest Park East in Webster starting at 9 am. The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Clothed by Faith, the National MS Society, or the charity of your choice in her honor.

Shirley is survived by her children Deborah Yarbrough and Jim, JoDell Stansel and Tom, Rhonda Drummond and Art, Lori Blakley, David Stephenson and Melinda. Grandchildren Brandee Hill, Jennifer Ganley and Alan, Jamie Power and Greg, Randall Ward and Chrissy, Natalie Padgett, Claire Miller, Clayton Stephenson and Keelie, Blake Stephenson and Julie, Dylan Stephenson. Great grandchildren Austin and Avery Hill; Caden, Caleb and Cate Ganley; Parker and Madelyn Power; Mason, Jade and Elizabeth Miller; Grayson Ward; and Leighton Stephenson.