Shirley Jean Correll

Shirley Jean Correll was a loving mother and grandmother and a fiercely independent and intelligent woman. She was born in 1943 in Houston, Texas where she lived nearly her entire life. She was her hometown's most vocal ambassador, often asking why anyone would live anywhere else. She cherished her home on Martin Street, her neighborhood, her neighbors, and her church. Unlike many today, she was strongly connected to a very specific place and community.
Shirley was the second youngest of nine children. In her teens-and for the rest of her life-she was an avid Elvis fan.
Shirley met her husband, Charles Correll, in high school. They married before she graduated as one of top students at Sam Houston High School. They built a loving life together, raising three children-Shelley Joyce, Charles (Chuck) Christian Jr., and Julie Lynn.
Shirley was known for her quick wit and firmly held opinions. She was also a devout Christian, and a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church for most of her adult life.
Shirley raised her children while Charles worked as a policeman. She was a licensed real estate agent, and she and Charles later started a real estate business together. Charles died far too young, while they were both in their 40s. Shirley then married Elwaine Barrett, and the two of them were active in a number of social organizations, including the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
Shirley's favorite place to travel was Las Vegas, where she was often very lucky on the slots. And no matter where in the world others would travel, Shirely would always remind them that they could probably see the same thing in Vegas.
Her true passion was gardening. She won "Yard of the Month" more times than anyone can count and served as President of the Shepherd Park Plaza Garden Club.
Her six grandkids-Tyler, Tori, Charles III, Breanna, Justin and Nathan-affectionately knew her as Mamaw. They cherished weekends at her house and at the house on Lake Livingston. When they showed up, Mamaw devoted all of her attention to them. Christmas dinner at her house was always a treat, with the kids competing in an annual dance off while her dancing Santa played Alan Jackson's version of Jingle Bell Rock.
In her last years, Shirley had dementia and ultimately lived in a memory care unit. But she was still very happy, and when her great grandchildren visited, she especially lit up.
Shirley is survived by her three children and their partner/spouses (Ellie Buckley, Kristen Correll, and Charles Brocato), six grandchildren, three great grandchildren (Eleanor and Penelope Williams and Emilia Lark), three of her siblings (Dorothy Jennings, Eleanor Chaffin, and Ronnie Botts), and numerous other family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church.
A celebration of life and internment ceremony will be held in Houston on February 21st at 10:30 a.m. at her gravesite at Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery on the North Freeway. Reception to follow nearby.