Shirley Gifford Ballard

Shirley Gifford Ballard passed away peacefully and went to be with Jesus on January 16, 2022, just before her 91st birthday. She was surrounded and supported by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by mirroring the love of Christ in their lives. Shirley was born on February 26th, 1931, in Memphis, TN amid the depression era. She graduated from Humes High School where she enjoyed singing in the Glee Club Choir that Elvis Presley auditioned for but was not selected to join. She married the love of her life, Bill Ballard, on November 9th, 1950, and they had 63 wonderful years together. She was active in her faith as a longtime member of Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, Garland,TX. She took every opportunity to share her faith with others through the 2X2 Sunday school class, Church sharing group, and the Stephen Ministry grief counseling program. She worked as an executive secretary for General Foods, General Electric, and George A. McFadden Cotton Co, and then retired after 23 years of working as an Administrative Asst. to the Director of Special Education Department for the Garland Independent School District. She loved cooking her favorite recipes for her family and relished in frequent family gatherings. God gave her talents as an artist, singer, and writer. She will be remembered most for showing Christ's love and compassion to others. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert Ainsworth and Nettie Florence Gifford; Brothers George Robert and Charles William Gifford; Sisters Doris Elizabeth Kee and Evelyn Marie Jennings; Beloved husband Billy Gene Ballard; Grandsons James Douglas Grizzle and Bradley Kirk Dibble. She is survived by her two children Jill Ainsworth Stepanian (Ed) and Douglas Wayne Ballard (Deborah); granddaughters Amy Grizzle Dibble and Ashley Howard Tanner (Chad); great grandchildren Collin, Madelyn, Mason, and Alyssa; and her loving dog Sophie. Funeral Service Details: There will be a private service for immediate family on Saturday, January 22, 2022 Afterwards, she will be laid to rest at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas TX. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Eastgate Funeral Home, 1910 Eastgate Dr, Garland, TX 75041 Eastgate Funeral Home , Garland, Texas | Legacy.com In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of her favorite charities - St Jude Children's Research Hospital Donate now to St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org)