Shirley Ann Taylor

Shirley Ann Taylor, lovingly known as Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma, was a gentle soul whose 90 years were devoted to loving others and being deeply loved in return. She passed away peacefully in the early hours of July 15, 2025, at home, surrounded by the care, comfort, and affection of those who cherished her most. Among them were her dear friends, Tom and Marianne Graham, and her beloved niece, Terry Wright, whose professional skill as a physical therapist and her deep love and dedication ensured Shirley exceptional, compassionate care in her final days.

Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Bill (William) Wright, grandchildren, Jordan and Bryanna Taylor, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Tyler, whom she loved deeply and reminisced on frequently. May they welcome her with a warm embrace at heaven's gates.

Shirley was born on August 28, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to William and Myrtle Wright, and grew up alongside her beloved brother, Bill (William) Wright. From a young age, she stood out-a striking young woman admired for her proud, resilient, and radiant spirit. It was these very qualities that first captured the heart of Glen Taylor when she was just 14 years old. Even then, Shirley knew exactly who she was and what she wanted-there was no hesitation in her heart.

Immediately after graduating from high school, she approached her mother with unwavering conviction, diploma in one hand and a marriage license in the other, requesting the signature that would mark the beginning of a lifelong love. With that bold gesture, 74 years of steadfast love and devotion were set into motion, grounded in deep friendship, enduring commitment, and an extraordinary bond. Shirley and Glen Taylor were married on June 7, 1952, and for her, no grand white wedding was needed to affirm what she already knew in her heart-that their love transcended ceremony and surpassed the bounds of the physical world.

As a wife, Shirley worked as a secretary but soon transitioned into motherhood, where she embraced her most cherished role-that of a full-time, devoted mother to her two sons, Glenn Allen Taylor and Bryan William Taylor. She embraced the role of motherhood with unwavering grace, raising two remarkable sons who remain central pillars of the family. Her youngest, Bryan, brought her the joy of becoming a grandmother through his children, Jordan and Bryanna Taylor. Her eldest, Glenn, married Anne Taylor, and together they welcomed two children, Katherine and Richard Taylor, who further enriched Shirley's life as her cherished grandchildren.

Shirley's brother, William (Bill) Wright, had three sons-her beloved nephews Phil, Frank, and Bill Wright. Phil, the eldest, married Sherry, and together they raised two daughters, Stephanie and Melanie. Frank married Jan and raised their son, Sam. Bill, the youngest, married Terry Wright, and they welcomed a son and a daughter, Jeffery and Alex. Jeffery later welcomed two children of his own, Michelli and Cason. Shirley took great joy in watching the Wright family grow alongside the Taylors, nurturing close, personal bonds and securing connections across generations.

Shirley's devotion extended beyond her family and into the heart of her community. After embracing her role as a mother, she and her husband began serving their local school district, CCISD. Shirley worked diligently in the shipping and receiving department, while Glen applied his skills in maintaining the district's heating and air conditioning systems. Together, they became valued members of the school community, contributing their time and talents with quiet dedication. In time, Shirley embraced one of her most remarkable roles-that of being a great-grandmother to five beloved great-grandchildren. Her first and second, Katelynne and Johnathan Beach, were born to Katherine Taylor and Dustin Beach. Her third and fourth, Carter and Elizabeth Taylor, were welcomed by Richard and Kristin Taylor. Her fifth and youngest great-grandchild, Adam Niaves, was born to Katherine Taylor and Sonny Niaves. Each grandchild brought her immeasurable joy and pride, continuing the legacy of love she so gracefully nurtured.

After retirement, Shirley fully embraced her golden years, wasting no time in pursuing her lifelong dream of travel. However, as a woman with great taste, she preferred to explore the world in style, by sea. Cruises were her chosen mode of adventure-grand ships with all-inclusive amenities, fine service, and endless horizons. Shirley had a taste for the exceptional, and she traveled accordingly, with Glen faithfully by her side for every departure. Together, they journeyed along the East Coast, through the icy beauty of Alaska, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, and as far as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada-collecting memories, photographs, and souvenirs along the way.

Glen adored Shirley and never hesitated to spoil her-and she happily embraced it. She knew her worth, and so did he. Always adorned in carefully chosen gold jewelry, Shirley carried herself with grace and glamour, her style reflecting her vibrant spirit. Glen made sure she was pampered and radiant, with regular hair and nail appointments that kept her curls perfectly coiffed and her nails beautifully polished. Together, they celebrated a love that honored both devotion and delight in the little luxuries of life.

When she wasn't abroad, Shirley could be found at her home in Flour Bluff, Texas, where she remained an active and generous presence in her community and family. She gave freely through acts of charity, faithful church service, and heartfelt gifts. Shirley was a giver in every sense, and her offerings often came from her own two hands and a loving heart-whether it was her whimsical holiday crafts or her beloved homemade peanut butter and chocolate cookies. Her kindness even extended to the squirrels who visited her back porch; each day, she set out a few peanuts just for them, delighting in their little visits. Shirley had a gift for savoring the present moment-finding joy in life's quiet, ordinary wonders.

Shirley was a remarkable woman who shaped her life with intention, strength, and grace. She was a determined and spirited force-someone who knew what she wanted and pursued it with quiet confidence, all while nurturing a life of humility, warmth, and comfort. She lived fully and loved deeply, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her, including her various dear friends she has made in her lifetime. Her life was a testament to strength, resilience, devotion, kindness, and above all, love. May it continue to inspire all who knew her and stand as a legacy etched in our memories and hearts.