Shirley Ann Quick

Shirley Ann Quick was born in Clinton, Oklahoma on July 20, 1951, to the parents of Grant and Verna Player. At a young age she accepted Christ and was baptized at Church of Christ in Clinton, Oklahoma. She graduated high school in 1969 from Clinton High School. She continued her education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma formerly known as Southwestern State College, where she graduated with her B.A. degree.

After College Shirley married and to the union one child was born, Horace (Pony) Alexander Jr. While stationed with her husband in Germany she worked as a civilian worker. Later she returned to the states to Killeen, Texas to continue her career at Ft Hood, Texas. Her second Child Bernard E. Linnen was born. Shirley's distinguished career as a Department of the Army Civilian with the federal government extended over 36 years before retirement in 2016. Her assignments were in Germany, Italy, and Fort Hood, Texas.

Shirley always inspired others with her constant drive to live life with the highest motivation to be a better person. She loved to challenge herself, never settling for anything less than her absolute best. Shirley started her career at Fort Hood's Morale Welfare, and Recreation. She worked as a Military Recreation Program Specialist. She planned, organized, and managed leisure, fitness, and community building activities for service members, military families, civilian employees and retirees. She administered a comprehensive diverse year - round program that won the recognition at Army Headquarters in Washington, DC for some of the best award-winning programs offered on a military installation. Her sense of humor was unmatched, often leaving people in stitches, providing much needed humor in a Soldier's life. It's not every day you come across someone who is both respected and admired but Shirley was all that and so much more. Her drive, confidence and loving encouragement will continue on through all who knew her at Fort Hood's Fiddlers Green Recreation Center. Shirley led countless major projects and mentored generations of new employees while working as a Youth Development and Youth Program Specialist with Child and Youth Services.

During her remarkable tenure of 24 years working at Directorate of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR), Army Community Service (ACS), at Fort Hood as the Relocation Assistance Manager, she ensured a full range of relocation services, information and assistance was implemented for military personnel and their families who were involved or anticipating a permanent change of station (PCS). She spearheaded the weekly Newcomers Events and received formal recognition for initiating the monthly Citizenship and Immigration Town halls and Naturalization Ceremonies. She consistently focused on the well-being of military personnel and their families as demonstrated by her strategic initiatives with the e-Sponsorship training opportunities, ACS Mobile Outreach, and Hearts Apart program. Most notably, Shirley is known as "Ms. Hood Howdy". She championed an innovative idea, collaborated with the Directorate of Family and MWR and transformed the Fort Hood event "Hood Howdy" whereas an Army-wide recognized program and best practice for newcomer integration. She was often requested to present this program at Department of Defense and Army Relocation training conferences.

Undoubtedly, Shirley's exemplary civilian service, unwavering commitment, and dedication to her government service made a positive and meaningful difference for countless military personnel, families, retirees, and civilians throughout her professional career. Shirley had a passion for Bling, crafts and designing hats, which is how she got the name "Hat Lady Shirley". She loved being a vendor at many shows to meet people and show you how to accessorize your wardrobe, be it a man, woman or child she will dress you and bling it out if you like to shine. She was a member of many organizations that loved her spirit, her flare and energy. She was always ready to assist you when it came to putting on a fashion show.

On October 8, 2026, Shirley departed this life at her home in the arms of a loved one. She was preceded in death by her parents Grant and Verna Player, three brothers Lyle Player, Glenn Player Sr., and Lonell Player.

Shirley leaves to Cherish her precious memories: Two sons Horace and Bernard, Three brothers Paul (Corrine), Keith, Warren (Jacqueline), and one sister Delesia (Robert), Three grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and her ever-loving Killeen sisters Donna, Karen, Rose and Cheryl.

Visitation will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 765421654, US, on October 22, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Pershing Park Baptist Church, 1200 Old FM 440 Rd, Killeen, TX, on October 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Garden of Memory Cemetery.