Shirley Howard Wesley

A Life of Love, Faith, and Joy
Shirley Jean Howard Wesley, a radiant beacon of faith, love, and joy, peacefully joined the Lord on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and the gentle memories of a life beautifully lived. Born on January 29, 1950, in Texarkana, Texas, to the late Nelson Ray Howard, Sr. and Minnie O. Howard, Shirley was the cherished second of seven siblings-her life a living testament to devotion, courage, and the power of a loving heart.
From her earliest days, Shirley's vibrant spirit was unmistakable. Her spiritual journey began at Sunset Missionary Baptist Church in Texarkana, where her faith was nurtured. Upon moving to Houston, she found a new spiritual home at Lily Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she lifted her voice in the choir, inspiring all under the leadership of Rev. Kerry Anderson.
A lifelong learner and trailblazer, Shirley attended Grandview Elementary and Macedonia High School. In 1966, she courageously became one of the pioneering students to integrate Liberty-Eylau High School through the "Freedom of Choice Act," graduating with grace and determination in 1968. Her passion for education led her to East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce), where she earned her degree in English. Shirley's love for language made her the go-to editor and trusted advisor for family and friends, always ready to perfect a paper or offer wise counsel with a gentle touch.
It was at East Texas State that Shirley's heart found its match in Curtis Earl Wesley, affectionately known as "Crowd Pleaser." Their love story brought forth three wonderful sons: Curodric (Rico) Earlando Wesley, Brandon Rashad Wesley, and Jason Ryan Wesley. Shirley's life was a tapestry of love, woven with the threads of family, faith, and friendship.
Professionally, Shirley dedicated herself as a paralegal, earning respect and admiration at Weil, Gotshal & Manges in Washington, D.C., New York, and Houston. Yet, to those who knew her best, Shirley was simply "our sweet mother"-a calming presence, a compassionate listener, and the perfect counterbalance to life's challenges. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore new horizons, always ready for the next trip or surprise adventure.
Shirley's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren: Dylan, Jaslin, Isabella, and Luca. She delighted in creating magical moments, whisking them away on "buddy pass" adventures and showering them with a grandmother's love that knew no bounds. Shirley's creative soul found expression in crafting beautiful jewelry, a passion she eagerly shared, and her radiant smile and infectious laughter brought light to every gathering.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Nelson Ray Howard, Sr.; her sisters, Renee Hall and Sondra Foster; her brothers, Nelson Ray Howard, Jr. and Robert Hunter; and her ex-husband, Curtis Earl Wesley. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved mother, Minnie O. Howard of Texarkana, TX; her devoted sons, Curodric (Rico) Wesley of New York, NY, Brandon Rashad Wesley and Jason Ryan Wesley of Houston, TX; her siblings, Delores Grace of Seattle, WA, Thelma Howard of Texarkana, TX, Retha Howard of Sydney, Australia, Stephanie Hutchinson of Texarkana, TX, and Stephon Duncan of Clarksville, TN; her aunt, Brenda Stewart of Texarkana, TX; sister-in-law, Phyllis Howard; her cherished grandchildren, Dylan Wesley, Jaslin Wesley, Isabella Wesley, and Luca Wesley; and a vast network of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends whose lives were forever brightened by her presence.
Shirley's legacy is one of love, joy, and unwavering faith-a spirit that will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.