Shirley Ann Govro

She was born on August 2, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Eva Marie Gustafson and Harold Otis Lawrence. She was one of six children, with four older brothers and a younger sister, all of whom she remained close to throughout her life.

Shirley grew up and attended school in Pflugerville and Round Rock, Texas.

As a young woman, she loved driving her mother and sister into town for a soda and a hamburger, often visiting friends and family in nearby Elgin and Georgetown. She worked for the Highway Department in Austin and had a special love for her ’56 Ford. It was through that passion that she met her husband, Jim Govro. Jim noticed her immediately when she arrived wearing a white shirt and turquoise capris that perfectly matched the color of her car. They married and raised two daughters during their 17 years together.

Shirley was a devoted mother whose love for her family was at the heart of everything she did. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she was always thinking of others before herself. She also had a special love for music, especially country western tunes.

She worked for Heritage Title Company for 25 years, serving as the receptionist, where she enjoyed welcoming clients and meeting new people every day. Her years with Heritage were very special to her. She took pride in her work and cherished the friendships and connections she made there throughout her career, retiring on her 80th birthday.

Her greatest joys were her family, especially her grandchildren and grand-pups. She loved gardening, taking long walks, and visiting with friends and neighbors in her condominium community. Being outdoors brought her happiness, no matter how hot the Texas summers became.

One of Shirley’s favorite outings was a trip to Starbucks for a Mocha Frappuccino, followed by a drive to admire beautiful flowers. She noticed every blooming plant and tree along the way and never failed to point out the big, fluffy white clouds drifting across the summer sky. She called them “vacation clouds.”

She treasured trips to the beach with her grandchildren, birthday celebrations, and getaways with her daughters. Shirley and her sister spent Sundays together having lunch, visiting garden centers, or simply running errands. These simple moments brought her great happiness and created memories her family will cherish forever.

Shirley spent three years at Lavender Springs Assisted Living, an extraordinary family-owned home where she was surrounded by loving caregivers and an amazing staff. Her family is forever grateful for the kindness, compassion, and care she received there. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to AGE of Central Texas for their help navigating resources, including the THRIVE Social & Wellness Program, as well as Austin Geriatric Group and Magnolia Hospice for their expert care and comfort.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Govro-Clark and Natalie Tocker; her sons-in-law, Mike Clark and Terry Tocker; her three grandsons, Isaac Tocker, Ethan Tocker, and Benjamin Tocker; her sister, Phyliss Faye Covish; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Harold Lawrence, and her four brothers, Harold Otis Lawrence Jr., John Leslie Lawrence, David Weldon Lawrence, and Benard Luke Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shirley’s memory to Mobile Loaves & Fishes or AGE of Central Texas.

Shirley’s kind heart, generous spirit, and joyful appreciation for life’s simple beauty will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved her.