Shirley Marie (Smith) Middlebrook

Shirley Smith Middlebrook, 79, a long-time resident of the Concho Valley, passed away, March 14, 2018 at Shannon Medical Center. She was born December 4, 1938, the third child to Volney H. Smith and Mary A. Smith in Bolivar, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Thelma Torrey, and Her husband Samuel Ancial Middlebrook.

She graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1956 where she was a cheerleader for four years, played softball, and was active in both school and community. Shirley moved to Dallas in 1963 and to San Angelo in 1975.

She is survived by her son Steven A. Middlebrook and wife Patsy Middlebrook of San Antonio, TX, her stepdaughter Lisa M. Oetken and Wade Griffin, her fiancée, of Double Oak, TX, and her grandson Bryce A. Middlebrook of San Antonio, TX., sister, Nancy A Schiffley and husband Albert, and her brother in law Wayne Torrey. Nieces Candy, Jill, and Julie. Nephews Marty, Randy, Robert, and Jody.

She met her husband, S. Ancial Middlebrook, in 1975, married and moved to San Angelo, TX to begin their new life together. Shirley embraced her new life in West Texas. She joined Emmanuel Episcopal Church and remained a member for the rest her life. Shortly after her arrival she became lifetime member in the Shannon Auxiliary and served as president in 1986. She cherished her time as a “Pink Lady.” She was an ardent supporter of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra and the San Angelo Civic Theater.

Shirley loved beautiful things; formal dinners and fashion and was herself a gourmet cook. She insisted that meals were to be taken with family and friends. Shirley was a second mother to her nieces and nephews, her husband’s children, and grandmother to Bryce. Shirley loved to spend time with friends and family; cards and board games after dinner were her favorite. The room was full of laughter and the television was turned off.

Though she is gone, her laughter lives on. You will be missed.