Shirley Ann Hawthorne

1933 - 2026

Shirley Ann Hawthorne

Jan 7, 1933 - Feb 5, 2026

Shirley Ann Wright entered the world on January 7, 1933 in McKinney, Texas to parents Tommie Boals and Clinton Wright. She was the middle child of three girls.

In 1949, she married her love John (Jack) Shelby Hawthorne. Jack's military service, followed by years in the oil industry saw the couple, and their children, in various locations: San Pedro, California; New Orleans, Patterson, and Lafayette Louisiana; Corpus Christi; and Houston Texas.

While her children were growing, Shirley was a stay-home-mother. When Jack's health grew concerning, she began studying nursing, earning her Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree from Texas Women's University. Following Jack's passing in 1981, she had a long career as a Labor and Delivery nurse at Methodist Hospital. She voiced many times how delighted she was assisting in bringing new souls into the world. She also volunteered her nursing skills for a central American tour onboard a Mercy Ship.

Over the years, Shirley enjoyed playing golf, and watching Football. Her favorite singer was Elvis, though occasionally she would mention he could be 'naughty.'

During her retirement years, she filled her days with home and yard projects. Shirley had an eye for décor, and her homes reflected warm, inviting spaces that encouraged family and friends to be comfortable. A favorite past-time was antiquing and many an hour was spent searching for treasures at local stores. She loved antique furniture, collected rolling pins, pieces of granite wear, and other items that brought her joy. She also had an extensive collection of turtles; all materials and sizes - found through her, or given by family and friends. One of her favorite sayings was, "When I'm out of projects, it's time to move," and she did; following Houston she resided in Tyler, Austin, and her final home in College Station before entering Crestview Memory Care in Bryan, Texas.

Shirley was a wonderful cook; Cajun cuisine and old-fashioned comfort food were specialties. She often shared recipes for baked goods, including a published "baked meatballs" recipe. Many family gatherings were spent at Shirley's homes where delicious scents always flowed from the kitchen.

She loved being with her family and attended their events as well; weddings, birthdays, holidays, and several Mardi Gras celebrations for family in New Orleans.

She enjoyed shopping for clothes, and she and her wardrobe were always stylish and relevant to the times. She was an accomplished seamstress; not only creating beautiful items for herself, but others as well. In her later years, she sewed and donated tiny blankets to local hospitals and charity for newborns.

Shirley was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and volunteered her time to support their causes. She was conservative in her values and deeply faithful. She attended Baptist services when able, and Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), as well at home.

The Lord called Shirley home to her eternal rest on February 5, 2026. She passed peacefully after several years of battling dementia. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Terri Lou (infant); husband, Jack; older sister, Lou; and younger sister, Gay.

Shirley's legacy continues through daughters, Janet Ann Cottrell (Hap), Linda Sue Westfeldt (Tommy); and sons, Hal Wright (Brenda), Todd Shelby (Vicki) and Rick Salter (Lisa). She was also beloved Gran-Gran to 12 grandchildren,18 great-grandchildren and their respective spouses.

The family extends their thanks for her wonderful care these past few years to the staff of Crestview.

Shirley was laid to rest at Forest Park Wesheimer Cemetery in Houston, Texas, on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Shirley and a life well lived.

Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan

2301 E. 29th St., 77802