was born to Clinso and Margie Bruce on August 20, 1947 in Pittsburg, Texas. Shirly was a caring mother, nurturer, and was a refuge for safety for anyone who knew her. She would show up for her loved ones daily. She was the family rock, she was resilient, strong, kind-hearted, and never gave up on anything she valued or loved. She had a caring heart and she showed how much she loved people with her actions. She always went above and beyond for her family. She was a great provider: her calling in life was a teacher. On May 12, 2021 she went to be with the Lord.

Shirley was a true educator at heart and got her education from Booker T. Washington High School in Mount Pleasant, Texas. She continued her education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas where she was awarded he Bachelor of Science degree on December 18, 1979. For 36 years she made her mark on the future of young children through teaching for her continuous love for what she did. Due to her love for educating children she received the Teacher of Year recognition many times.

She was President of the Arlington Texas State Teachers Association. In July of 200, she represented Arlington at the National Education Association in New Orleans, LA. She had been a member of TSTA/NEW since 1979. After 36 years of teaching she retired May 31, 2015.

She was married to Willie E McGruder Jr. who passed away in 1992, and she remarried Jacques MuKendi who she was married to for 25 years.

She leaves to grieve her husband Jacques MuKendi; sons Shannon McGruder, and Shelfield; daughters Wendy McGruder-Isom; step-daughters Helga MuKendi- Mayimona (Fabrice Mayimona), and Arelle MuKendi her brother Philip Bruce (Shelia Bruce); grandchildren; Shanqueniese McGruder, Michael Thomas, Shannon McGruder Jr. Danielle McGruder, and Arielle McGruder; great grandchildren; Dior Wilson, Evalyn Thomas, and Katherine Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.