Shirley Marie Paul

Shirley Marie Paul of Gainesville, Texas passed away on August 5, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Syndrome.

Shirley was born on June 13, 1955 to Jimmy and Diana Sullivan in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The Sullivan family moved to Texas in 1961 where six of the brothers and sisters still reside. Shirley attended McKinney High School and later went on to receive her nursing degree at Grayson County College. Shirley worked for many years as an LVN in the McKinney area at various facilities, but loved her time the most nursing at the Wysong Clinic. She also started bar tending at the McKinney VFW and the McKinney American Legion where many friends and memories were made.

In 1976, Shirley married her first husband, Ronald Parks. They had two children together, Tennille and Dustin, promoting her son Shanon (Spanky) to a big brother. Shirley and Ronald divorced which led Shirley to meet and fall in love with Gary Paul. Shirley and Gary were married on November 30 of 1996 adding in David Paul, Gary's son, into the family.

Shirley officially retired in 2005 due to health complications but did not stay down for long, as she went full force into helping Veterans through the American Legion and The American Legion's Ladies Axillary. Her love of county was unsurpassed and Shirley held many positions in the Ladies Axillary while also standing beside Gary in the many positions he held with the Sons of the American Legion. Their travels for the beloved organization took them all over Texas and they were able to meet many life-long friends and help those who served in our military. Shirley also started working Denton County Elections as an Election Official in 2014 during major elections. She really enjoyed the election process.

Shirley enjoyed life. Some of her favorite activities were spending time with her family and dancing with Gary to country music (Silver Wings was their favorite). Shirley loved her family fiercely and was so proud of each family member.

Her father; Jimmy Sullivan, her mother; Diana Sullivan, her ex-husband; Ronald Parks and her two brother-in-laws, Mark Smith and Wade Smith, predeceased Shirley.

Her husband, Gary Paul, survives Shirley as well as her children Shanon "Spanky" Parks and wife Amber, Tennille Murphy and husband Jamie, Dustin Parks, and David Paul. Grandchildren; Colton Parks and wife Leah, Erin Parks, Daisha Fuchs and husband Liam, Hayden Murphy, John Parks, Matthew Parks and Trysta Murphy. Great-grandchildren; Nora Parks, Caroline Parks, Jaxten Fuchs and Oaklynn Fuchs. Siblings; Joanie Martinez and husband Bernie, Bertie Wizansky and husband Mike, Leona "Sue" Sullivan, Jimmy Sullivan and wife Angela, William Sullivan and wife Jody, Teresa Roland and husband Chuck and her beloved chosen sister "Aunt" Alice Wilson. Many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews also survive Shirley.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Liberty Babbitt (Shirley's first caretaker), the River Valley nursing staff, the Pecan Tree nursing staff, VNA Hospice nursing staff and the Ardent Hospice nursing staff. You all have been a Godsend over the last few years.

A celebration of Shirley's life has been scheduled for August 12, 2023 beginning at 3 pm at the Parks' residence located at 355 County Road 163, Gainesville, Texas 76240. Please bring a dish of your choice, as we will have a potluck to honor Shirley by celebrating her favorite tradition, the annual Mother's Day Sullivan Family Reunion. Please also bring along your favorite memories of Shirley, as we will all be sharing our favorite stories.