On January 26th, 1928, Shirley was born in El Paso, Texas. An honor graduate with an award in mathematics from Austin High School, she went on to attend Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia for two years and completed her education from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1949. Following graduation, she headed to New York to study at Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and later became secretary to the Personnel Director at Indiana State Bank in Indianapolis.
Shirley wedded her sweetheart William H. Somers, M.D. in 1951. The couple moved from Indiana to Macon, Georgia in 1955 where Dr. Somers established his Radiology practice at what is now the Medical Center of Central Georgia. They lovingly raised two daughters, Margaret and Carolyn in Macon and enjoyed 54 years of numerous committed friendships and associations there. She was often referred to as “the hostess with the mostest” as she delighted in entertaining and celebrating her friends for both big and small affairs be it a large venue or an in-home dinner party with her famous chili and cheese enchiladas. Shirley and her husband relished traveling the world and had numerous adventures from France to Egypt to Japan, Hong Kong and Italy but her time in Israel spent touring the Holy Land was the most meaningful. She was also a member of, and served in various functions for the Bibb County Medical Auxiliary, the Junior League of Macon, the History Club, the Morning Music Club and the Hill and Dale Garden Club. She and Dr. Somers were active members at First Presbyterian Church where she did volunteer bookkeeping for the church’s bookstore. She was also a philanthropist who enjoyed contributing to Haggai Institute among other Christian organizations, and funded a scholarship for pre-med students at Baylor University.
In 2005 as the years were advancing, Shirley and her husband made the difficult but loving decision to move to Houston, Texas to be near family. There she developed new friendships, formed close bonds and was able to enjoy frequent visits, holidays and celebrations with her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and niece and nephews. One of the highlights that brought her particular joy was her memorable 90th birthday party at which she was shown just how much she was truly treasured and cherished. Shirley was a devoted follower of Christ and that was evident to all who knew her through her witness and demonstrated by her life. She was a real southern lady and continued showing graciousness, hospitality, compassion, concern and genuine interest and especially love for others right to the end. The day before her death, even as she was having difficulty breathing, talking and sitting up, she insisted on signing a check for her son-in-law John’s birthday so he could buy some golf balls as a present from her. That act in itself was a special gift. Shirley loved animals as well as people but she had an affinity for cats, especially her much adored, prized, pampered Persian feline Mitzie who apparently was “the best cat in the world.” She also had special affection for her grand kitty Floyd and his amusing antics. Shirley’s loving heart and legacy left a beam of light for all who knew her.
Survivors include daughter Margaret Somers of Houston, Texas and her three children, Robby Barron, and his wife, Kim; Diane Carter and her husband Shawn; Craig Barron; daughter-in-law Kara Barron; daughter Carolyn Piscacek and her husband Johnny of Pasadena, Texas; great-grandsons Robert K. and William Barron, and Collin Barron; great-grand daughters Morgan Barron, Nola and Addie Carter, Miko and McKay Barron; niece Kathy Wilson and nephews Gary Wilson, Bobby Wilson and his wife Paula, and Chip Wilson.
Special thanks, love and appreciation to Shirley’s dedicated and outstanding caregivers Rosie, Althea, Granny, Martha and Elizabeth, and to her amazing physical therapist and close friend Bina. Each one exceeded the call of duty to make her last years comfortable and happy and all became like family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Haggai Institute, 4725 Peachtree Corners Circle #200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.
A funeral service for Shirley will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079. Graveside services will be held after the funeral at Memorial Oaks Cemetery followed by a reception at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Somers family.
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