Shirley Boyd

1935 - 2023

Shirley (Staples) Boyd
08/04/1935 - 05/29/2023
Shirley Howard (Staples) Boyd, beloved mother, grandmother, and pillar of her family, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2023 at the age of 87. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi in 1935 to her loving parents, Ethel (Singleton) Staples and William Howard Staples. Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters, Beth Duckworth, Dot Lehr, and Bobbie Carson.
Shirley's formative years were spent in Laurel and Ellisville, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; and Memphis, Tennessee. She and her sister Bobbie often spent Saturday afternoons watching westerns at the matinee. Shirley's studied business at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
After her return to Ellisville, she accompanied her mother one night to the local VFW for bingo, and there, met her future husband, Victor C. Boyd, Jr. of Campti, Louisiana. They married in Laurel in 1962. The couple's adventures took them across the globe, starting with a move to Melbourne, Australia, where their first child, Robert, was born. They later moved to Perth, Australia, where their daughter Megan, entered the world. Afterward, they settled in Shreveport, Louisiana, where their son Victor (III) was born. Finally, the family established their home in Houston, Texas, where their youngest child, Sarah, completed their loving family.
Shirley was a dedicated volunteer with the Center for Pursuit for over 30 years. She dedicated her time to the Cullen Caners, teaching the art of caning and chair repair to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She shared her skills and knowledge to empower others.
Shirley had a deep love for travel and was fortunate to have visited all seven continents during her lifetime. She delighted in journeying alongside her sisters, visiting historical sites and museums throughout the United States.
Shirley was an avid gardener, investor and bridge player. Achieving the distinguished title of Life Master, she was a competitive bridge player, often talking through with her husband how a particular hand was played the day before. Her green thumb shone through her thriving flower and vegetable gardens.
Shirley was an esteemed member of the Western Geophysical Women's Auxiliary. She cherished the camaraderie and friendships formed within the organization.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her children, daughter- and son-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family will hold a private celebration of Shirley's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Shirley's memory to the Center for Pursuit of Houston.
A special thanks to the loving and compassionate caregivers in her final stage of life: Betty Sanders, Diana Jackson, Kersheera Helaire, Joy White, Latoya Stewart and LaVernon Thomas.
Mom, you will forever be cherished in our hearts, and your spirit will continue to inspire us all. May you rest in eternal peace.