Shirley Ann Hayworth

Shirley Ann Hayworth, 88, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the Hilltop Park Rehab and Care Center in Weatherford, Texas. She was born in Hood County, Texas on May 24, 1936 to Clyde Odell Rains and Alba (Smith) Rains. Shirley married Gerald Hayworth on July 5, 1957 and they made their home in Granbury. They have two sons, Paul and Mark, who also reside in Granbury.
Shirley was a Granbury native who lived most of her life enjoying and serving the people, especially students and lady athletes, of the town she loved so much. After graduating from Granbury High School in 1955, Shirley majored in business at Weatherford Junior College, then earned her degree in physical education at TCU, and in 1980, she earned a masters degree at Tarleton State University, all to better prepare her for her long and impactful career as a coach and English teacher. She lovingly shaped and molded the lives of countless teenagers who spent time in her English classes, PE sessions, and of course, on her basketball teams. The tremendous passion she poured into her career could only be matched by the fierce love and loyalty she demonstrated in numerous ways to her family and friends. Gerald (aka Pa), was the love of her life from high school to the day she passed, and she is patiently waiting in heaven now to continue their walk together for all time. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joy of her days. Shirley's life was a shining example to them of how to live with grace, laughter, and dignity the way God intended for us all to live. As one grandchild said, "I've never, and I mean NEVER, heard her utter a disparaging remark against anyone." Another put it this way, "She found the good in everyone, every conversation, every situation, all the time." Through many games of 42, dominos, Chinese checkers, and delicious home cooked meals and being a very enthusiastic and supportive cheerleader in the stands at their sporting events Shirley demonstrated her great love for them.
All who knew Shirley were blessed including her many friends who brought her so much joy, lots of laughs, good times, and great memories. She enjoyed traveling with friends and to visit friends, almost as much as she enjoyed hosting and entertaining friends. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter were the highlights of each year for her because they brought all of her favorite things together family, friends, love, laughter, thankfulness, great food, lots of intense 42 matches and faith.
Shirley taught and coached in several school districts, including Azle, Killeen, Taft, Haltom, and Cleburne, but most of her career was spent coaching and teaching in her beloved Granbury ISD: Lady Pirates varsity and junior high basketball coach 1960-1971, junior high girls' basketball coach, 1973-1978, and Granbury Middle School girls' basketball coach 1988-1993.
Shirley was a lifelong member of Temple Hall Methodist Church where she was also the pianist for many years. She loved the piano, reading good books, and writing. After unsuccessfully attempting to instill her love of the piano into her sons, Shirley was so excited when a granddaughter took up the piano and stuck with it. Her 'grandmother ears' heard a beautiful symphony at each of the numerous piano recitals she attended. She also loved to read, and encouraged others to love it as well. Many people in her life have received cards over the years filled with precious, heart-felt words of encouragement and good humor, written by her own hand and from her heart. This side of heaven will never be quite the same without her. Her greatest desire would be that all the many people who have crossed her path, will one day live with her forever in heaven and most importantly, with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Alba Rains, brother George Rains, and brother-in-law David Andrews.
Shirley is survived by husband Gerald, son Paul (Anna) Hayworth, son Mark (Joy) Hayworth, sister Leta Mae Andrews, brother Walter Carl (Jamie) Rains, 6 grandchildren: Mandy Hayworth, Clay Hayworth (Lucy), Taylor (Hillary) Hayworth, Carla (Micah ) Newton, Cullen (Kaci) Hayworth, Hailey Strait, 3 great-grandchildren: Kainen Hayworth, Nora Newton, Nolan Newton, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Monday, April 28, 2025, Acton Baptist Church.
Service: 11:00 AM, Monday, April 28, 2025, Acton Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Long Creek Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: National Ataxia Foundation PO Box 27986 Golden Valley, MN 55427
Temple Hall Fellowship 2108 Miller Ct. Granbury, TX 76049
Hood County Retired Teachers Assoc. 223 Cogdell St. Granbury, TX 76048
Services in the care of Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury, Texas.