Shirley Ann Howard was born in San Francisco, California on September 2,1951 to her loving parents, Lee Arthur Seymore and Ruby Grace Shaw. Ruby Grace was already blessed with a son, James, from a previous relationship. From this union came 6 more brothers; Dan, Sammy, Robert Lee, Albert and Alton.

Ruby Grace transitioned to her heavenly home when Shirley was just 12 years old. On June 29th, 1966, Lee Seymore was united in marriage to Carry Lee Johnson, where she gained 5 additional siblings; Rendy, Eva, Clora, Viola, and Andrew.

Shirley was educated in the San Francisco public school system and attended Mission High School. It was at her father's flower shop that Shirley discovered her passion for floral arranging and eventually became the full-time bookkeeper.

Mother Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a proud member of Allen Temple Baptist Church. In 1986 she found her church home at Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she was a devoted member until her untimely passing.

Shirley was extremely competitive and loved sports, specifically softball, baseball, and football. She loved watching her boys on the baseball field and was their biggest fan. Shirley had no problem letting the umpires know how she felt about their calls. Faithful to the Bay, Shirley loved her San Francisco 49ers. It was at a softball game where she first spotted her soul mate Mr. Oscar Howard. Shirley and Oscar wed on January 31st, 1984. From this union, they raised 9 children together; Brenda (Charles), Ricky (Cecelia), Oscar Jr., Selena, Helen, Frank (Ann), Chris (Donita), Darnell, and Adrienna (Tamika). In 1985, they moved to Arlington Texas where Shirley began her career with Ross Dept. Stores. Shirley was a dedicated employee, opening stores across the state of Texas until her retirement in 2005.

Shirley loved to open her home for family gatherings especially during the holidays. She loved cooking and is famous for her gumbo, potato salad, and sweet potato pies. After everyone was good and full, she and Oscar would spend the rest of the evening playing dominoes and whooping everyone on the spades table. We can't think of a time when Shirley went to bingo and didn't win. The last time she attended church on Mother's Day 2023, she won $100 for having the most children with her. She always loved to fish and over the last few years she spent quite a few weekends out on the lake with her children and grandchildren. Whatever she caught she'd clean them and fry it up for the family to enjoy. Shirley was tough but fair. Brutally honest

but extremely loving, nurturing, compassionate, and understanding. She had the most infectious laugh and smile and will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, 2 grandsons, 2 nephews, and 1 great nephew.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Oscar, 9 children, 2 brothers, 29 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 5 sister-in-laws, 3 brother-in-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.