Shirley Ann Sutton

Shirley Ann Sutton, born November 2, 1944, in Vidor, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2025, in Willis, Texas, at the age of 80 - a day that would have marked her 60th wedding anniversary to her beloved husband, Milton, who preceded her in death in 2018. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of love, laughter, and family devotion will live on forever.

Shirley spent most of her life in Conroe and Willis, Texas. She attended school in Conroe and, as fate would have it, found herself working at the Hungry Hobo, where she met the love of her life. Milton swept her off her feet, and on August 11, 1965, they began their life together. In the early years, they traveled across the United States while Milton worked for Chevron Corporation, but once their son Ricky was born, they settled back in Conroe to be near her large, close-knit family. Their daughter, Kim, arrived just a year and a half later, completing their family.

Known for her forgiving heart, her pure and unconditional love, and her inability to hold a grudge, Shirley was a friend to all and the life of any gathering. She was also famously devoted to her Diet Coke. If you told Shirley something in confidence, she would guard your secret forever - unless you told her not to tell Milton. She loved her husband deeply and never kept anything from him, and that steadfast devotion was part of what made their 53 years on earth together so special.

Family meant everything to Shirley. She adored her seven grandchildren and spoiled them in every way possible - from letting them use the high chair, sippy cups, and pacifiers long past the "appropriate" age, to keeping a pantry full of snacks and a freezer stocked with ice cream. Her deep love extended beyond her own children and grandchildren to her niece, Shirl - her namesake - who grew up next door and cherished Shirley as her favorite aunt and "the fun mom." The two shared a bond like mother and daughter, and Shirl remembers Shirley's home as a place filled with laughter, mischief, and unconditional love. A visit to Shirley's house meant the Lifetime Network or Days of Our Lives would be playing on the TV, naps could be taken on her famously comfy couch, and you could always find a warm blanket - because she kept the thermostat at a brisk 62 degrees.

Shirley lived her life with a quiet but steadfast faith in Jesus and was an example of His love by offering kindness, grace, and a helping hand to all who crossed her path. She was a member of All Nations Worship Center, where her husband served as an usher and her son was pastor.

Her legacy is one of love, family, laughter, and the kind of warmth that made everyone feel at home. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever bring comfort to those who knew her. Those who knew Shirley will remember her not for the things she owned, but for the warmth she gave, the laughter she shared, and the love she poured out so freely.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Louie Turbeville; mother, Opal Skinner; husband, Milton Sutton; sister, Leona Nash; brothers, James Skinner and Jimmy Skinner; and sister, Ola Mae Batchelor.

She is survived by her children: her son, Rick Sutton, and wife Kimberly, their children Kayla Munoz and husband Chris, with children Lily and Samuel; Rachael Sutton; and Josiah Sutton and wife Sammy. Also, her daughter Kim Franklin and husband Melvin, their children Lauren Boyer and husband Hunter, with children Kinley, Carter, Cooper, and Mia; Brandon Franklin and wife Kayla, with sons Blake and Grant; Brittney Nunley and husband Rayce; and Brooke Franklin. She is also survived by her brothers Letcher Turbeville and Kenneth Turbeville, sisters Mary Kinsler and Dian Norred, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Brandon Franklin, Josiah Sutton, Chris Munoz, Rayce Nunley, nephew Jerry Kinsler, and great-nephew Dylan West.

The family would like to thank Unlimited Care Cottages, her caregivers Teri and Hanna, Hospice 365, and caregivers Monica, Adrian, and Jennifer for the love and care they showed Shirley in her final days.