Shirley Folkes

Shirley Marie Folkes age 77 of Buda, Texas went to sleep on earth and woke up in heaven on May 19, 2023. She was born on January 18, 1946 to Minnie Loree and Franklin Jefferson Kimball in Bay City, Texas. She was the youngest and the only girl of five children. She graduated from Prairie Lea High School in 1964. Shirley started dating David on November 9, 1963. She became the love of his life. On August 1, 1970 Shirley and David married. They would spend the rest of their lives together. From 1971 to 1975, Shirley and David welcomed their three children. While her children were young, Shirley began working as an in-home childcare provider. As her children grew older, their family moved to Austin because Shirley started working for the IRS. Later in life she worked for Four Sons Quality Cleaners, where she eventually retired. From 1989 to 2003, Shirley became a Nonny, she welcomed seven grandchildren. Then beginning in 2007, she welcomed seven great grandchildren. As well as leaving one unborn great grandchild.

She was kind, generous, and loved fiercely. She loved big and real with forgiveness and optimism, always believing in the best in anyone she met. She never missed an opportunity to tell her people how much she loved them. She built inseparable relationships throughout her lifetime. Starting with her beloved cousins and classmates, she built inseparable lifelong relationships with people she met including her co-workers, church family, and many others. Above all, she loved nothing more than being a Mom and Nonny to her kids, grandkids, and even their friends.

She is preceeded in death by her loving husband John David Folkes Sr. Her grandparents; Adelia and Si West and Verdie and Stephen Kimball. Her parents Minnie Loree and Franklin Jefferson Kimball. Her siblings; Jessie Earl and wife Alma, Franklin Jefferson Jr., Francis Carlton, and Richard Wayne Sr and wife Peggy.

She is survived by her children, Kimberley and husband Mike of Austin, Loree and Life Partner Sean of Paige, and John D of Austin. Her sister-in-laws; Patsy Kimball of Fentress and Elizabeth and husband Orman Gwynn of Robstown. Her foster sister; Joan and husband Duane Rodenberg of Corpus Christi. Her grandchildren, John, Melissa and Calvin, Heather and Drew, Jack Jr. and Tori, Trevor and Stephane, Paul, Caylah, Christy and Garrett, and David. Eight great-grandchildren with one unborn great-grandchild as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Folkes family.