Shirley Ann Garza

Shirley Ann (Nelson) Garza, 68, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on March 26, 2022, in the arms of Jesus with the angels singing and her family awaiting her Heavenly arrival. She was surrounded by family who prayed with her, loved on her, held her hands and kissed her cheeks as she went peacefully.

Shirley was born on Thanksgiving Day in Corpus Christi – November 26, 1953, to Barnet Hardin Nelson and Myrel Deen (Beathard) Peck – and was lovingly called the "Turkey baby." She grew up in Houston and attended Milby High School. Shirley celebrated 30 years of marriage to her husband, Edward Garza, in 2021. She has three children – Tammy Mitchell, Sean Mitchell, and Angela Berrospe.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Barnet Nelson and Myrel Peck; stepfather – John Peck; her brother, Lamar Nelson and wife, Mary Nelson; sister, Dolly Walker and husband, Bill Walker; beloved sister, and best friend – Maggie Calzada; and granddaughter, Teagan Berrospe.

She is survived by her husband - Edward Garza; her three children – Tammy, Sean and wife, Juliana Mitchell & Angela; and wife, Jennifer Berrospe; fourteen grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews that loved her.

Shirley was very close to her sisters, Maggie & Freda! The trio spent a lot of time together and were inseparable. Shirley spent countless hours with her grandchildren Gavin, Beau & Ava Presley (her namesake) who lovingly referred to her as "Bamaw" and Brock, Dominick, Juliet & Jessica who lovingly referred to her as "Grandma." She was always their #1 fan and bragged on them to anyone who would listen. Shirley left the corporate world in the 90's as an Executive Training & Development Manager to become the Worlds Best Stay at Home Mom (which is the best and hardest job in the world)! In 2011, she became Vice President of SME Materials and Consultants alongside her husband and CEO, Edward.

She made lasting relationships and lifelong friendships with everyone she met! She would help with whatever you needed and was always a loyal friend. Her genuine love for people impacted everyone – and the world as we know it is a dimmer place without her light. She is the best mother in the world and will be missed every single minute by her children. Her Legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren and we will honor her every day through our own lives.

Shirley always lived life on her terms! Her laugh was contagious. Her strength, compassion, love, determination, and loyalty can never be replaced – so we choose to embrace the foundation of who she was and apply her principles, fundamentals, and values into our own lives. She loved her family, loved sports cars, and loved taking trips to different towns to gather lottery tickets with her husband. She had personalized license plates on her beloved SS Camaro that truly encompassed who she is –"Sassze!"

She loved God and always talked about seeing Jesus and her mother at the gates of Heaven. Shirley is a fighter! She is the toughest woman we know! She fought the battle of her life for the last 8 months – and in the end – God delivered on His Promise – and - she won. With those sweet words, she heard, "Well Done thy good and faithful one! You have fought a GREAT fight! You have finished the race!" We are deeply heartbroken, and we miss her so much and love her beyond words – but we know she is dancing with the Angels! Our hearts are forever tied, and her mark is forever upon us. Until we see each other again – WE LOVE YOU INFINITY!!!!

Please join us as we will be celebrating the life of Shirley Garza. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the main chapel at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home - 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023. Funeral will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the main chapel at Forest Park. Eulogy will be given by Shirley's daughter, Angela Berrospe. Graveside prayer by Pastor Bobby Marshall will follow at 12 p.m. with a special send off for the World's Best Mom and Wife.

If you know Shirley, you know she left detailed notes behind! As requested, please wear purple in her honor! If you are playing the lotto this week, use her lucky number - 26!

We love you – Forever and Always! You will always be our rock and the anchor to our family. LOVE YOU INFINITY!s

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