Shirley Ann Stevens

March 22, 1938 – May 27, 2026

Shirley Ann Stevens passed away peacefully at her home in Dallas, Texas, on May 27, 2026, at the age of 88. While her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in knowing she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shirley was born on March 22, 1938, in Royse City, Texas, to Richard Victor Stevens and Frances Elizabeth Holbert Stevens. She was one of seven daughters and grew up on the family farm in Quinlan, Texas. From an early age, Shirley learned the values of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. As the girls grew older, they worked alongside their parents in the cotton fields, helping harvest the crops and supporting the family.

One summer day while working in the fields, their father accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Filled with joy and excitement about his newfound faith, he took the family to First Baptist Church of Quinlan and shared his testimony. Their father, Shirley and sister Meriam were baptized the following Sunday. Then, he began reading the family bible to the family every night before bedtime. That decision became the foundation of Shirley’s life and sustained her through every season that followed.

When Shirley was only thirteen years old, her father passed away. Unable to care for all the children on her own, their mother placed the six youngest girls in the Daniel Memorial Orphanage, now known as Pleasant Hills Children’s Home. Although Shirley had other options available to her, she chose to enter the orphanage with her sisters so she could help care for them and keep the family together. One of Shirley’s greatest accomplishments is that she succeeded in keeping the sisters together and they remain close to this day.

In school, Shirley loved spending time with friends and playing basketball. Her commitment to health and fitness remained with her throughout her life, helping her stay active and energetic well into her eighties.

After graduating from high school, Shirley immediately began working and devoted herself to helping her younger sisters find loving homes. Determined that sisters Kay and Lynn remain together, she even placed newspaper advertisements seeking a family willing to adopt them both. Eventually, Kay and Lynn went to live with relatives in Caddo Mills, Texas, while homes were found for the other sisters as well. She even took in her youngest sister, Vickie, to live with Shirley. Shirley’s determination and sacrificial love helped shape the future of her family.

Following high school, Shirley moved to San Antonio and worked as a secretary. Her employer, Mr. Yeary, became a father figure and source of encouragement in her life. For every dollar Shirley saved to buy Christmas and birthday gifts for her sisters, he matched her savings. For many years, those gifts were among the only presents her sisters received, and Shirley treasured being able to bring them joy.

Despite the hardships she experienced, Shirley remained deeply connected to her family. Beginning with visits to Elaine’s house, the sisters spent countless hours together, gathering in one another’s homes and creating bonds that remained strong throughout their lives.

As the sisters raised children of their own, Shirley developed a special relationship with her nieces and nephews. Though she never had children herself, she cared deeply for each of them. She often travelled to visit relatives during holidays, and Elaine’s home became a gathering place for the sisters and their children. Shirley was known for inviting nieces and nephews to spend the night, share meals, laugh together, and create lasting memories.

At the age of twenty-five, Shirley married Larry Lemmons and moved to Dallas, where she would spend the remainder of her life. Although their marriage later ended, they remained friends and continued to care for one another through the years.

Over the years, Shirley and her sister Vickie both worked as sales associates at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas. It was the perfect career for Shirley, allowing her to combine her love of people with her generous and caring spirit. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

A significant turning point in Shirley’s spiritual journey came when she began attending Women of Faith conferences with her sisters Vickie, Kay, and Lynn. Through those experiences, she rededicated her life to Christ and deepened her relationship with the Lord. In 2006, she became a member of First Baptist Church Dallas, where she faithfully worshiped, served, and continued growing in her faith.

In 2016, Shirley met John Bowden through a friend that also attended First Baptist Dallas. Their relationship blossomed into a beautiful companionship rooted in faith, friendship, and love. For ten years, they shared life together, encouraging one another in their walk with Christ. Shirley’s family is deeply grateful for the love, devotion, and kindness John showed her and for embracing her family as his own. John was the love of Shirley's life, she knew she would spend the rest of her life with him when they met. Shirley and John were so happy and in love they celebrated their anniversary every month for the last 10 years. The love they expressed to each other was none that Shirley had ever experienced with anyone.

One of Shirley’s greatest gifts was her ability to make everyone feel important. Whether through a phone call, a visit, a shared meal, a thoughtful gift, or simply her listening ear, Shirley made people feel loved. Her compassionate heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith touched countless lives.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Victor Stevens and Frances Elizabeth Holbert Stevens; her sisters, Frances Elaine Cooper and Donna Yvonne Starks; and her nephews, Stephen Calabria and Randy Calabria.

She is survived by her sisters, Meriam Jeanette Calabria; Vickie Adelyne Pittman and her husband, Ray Pittman; Karolyn Kay Tate; and Sandra Lynn Cotten and her husband, Gerald Cotten; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Shirley’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, perseverance, sacrifice, love, and devotion to family. She will be remembered for her compassionate heart, generous spirit, contagious smile, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas.

A private graveside service will be held earlier that day at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett, Texas.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” — Psalm 103:12

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17