Shirley Marie Coleman

Born in Blanco, Texas, Shirley dedicated her life to education and to the students and educators of Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Sul Ross State University, where she later also obtained her Master of Education in Counseling along with numerous certifications. She began her career teaching kindergarten before moving into higher education and educational leadership, ultimately serving in a wide range of impactful roles over a remarkable 56-year career.

Shirley served as an elementary school principal, Title I/ESL/Bilingual Director, Executive Director of Operations and Special Programs, and Superintendent of San Vicente ISD, a unique school located within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park. She also taught both graduate and undergraduate students as an adjunct professor at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, a role she held from 1976 until her passing. Through her teaching and mentorship, she inspired generations of educators with her insight, experience, and unwavering belief in the power of education.

Known affectionately to friends and family as “The General,” Shirley was a respected and influential leader who, while never serving in the military, led with strength, vision, and compassion. She mentored countless students and educational leaders, leaving a lasting legacy not only through her own work but through the many lives shaped by those she guided.

Her influence extended far beyond her local community. Shirley held leadership roles in numerous professional organizations, including serving as president of the Texas Kindergarten Nursery School Educators of Texas, the Texas Council of Women School Executives, the Texas Association of Rural Schools, and the Beta Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She also served as president of three Beta Sigma Phi chapters, where she was honored as Woman of the Year in each. Additionally, she served as president of the Association for Compensatory Educators in Texas (ACET) and later as its Executive Director, retiring in 2023. Through these roles, she helped shape education policy, advocate for students, and support fellow educators across the state.

Shirley will also be remembered for her warm strength, gentle spirit, and the kindness she consistently shared with everyone she met. She touched countless lives with her generosity and compassion. Outside of her professional life, she was a consummate cook who found joy in bringing people together through meals, creating moments of connection and lasting memories for family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Lucille Coleman.

She is survived by her sister, Virginia K. Lee; her niece, Rebecca Lee; her nephew, Bennie Lee and his wife; and numerous cousins and extended family members. Her family, friends, colleagues, and former students will forever cherish her memory and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or school of your choice, such as Sul Ross State University for a scholarship or the STCH Ministries (originally South Texas Children’s Home) in Beeville, Texas.

A meaningful way to support STCH Ministries is through a gift in honor of loved ones on special occasions or in memory of those who have passed. All Honor and Memorial gifts are placed into permanent funds. A special hand-written acknowledgment will be sent to the person being honored. In the case of a Memorial Gift, the acknowledgment will be sent to the family of the deceased or to the person of your choosing. You may print an Honor Gift Form or a Memorial Gift Form to fill in and send in with your payment. You may also make these gifts online using the Honor or Memorial Gifts form. https://www.stchm.org/give/#tab-id-3