Shirley Burleson

Shirley Ann Burleson, born on September 13, 1939 in Henderson, Texas, passed away on October 3, 2023. She was the seventh of eight children born to Angus and Vesta Williams in Church Hill, Texas. Shirley was raised in Jacksonville, Texas before moving to Houston where she attended Sam Houston High School. She later graduated from a Baptist College with an Associates Degree in Business.

After her graduation, Shirley began her professional career working for the Bastion's family, who owned a small insurance business. It was during this time that she met Bobby Joe Burleson and they were married on June 3, 1960. Together they had two sons, Bryan Jay and Cody Richard. Bob worked for the Houston Fire Department, and as a result, their family relocated to Sugarland, Texas where they welcomed their only daughter, Tresa Ann. Shirley continued her career as an agent for Farmers Insurance after starting her family.

A dedicated member and volunteer of Lions Club International, Shirley sincerely appreciated their serving mission. When Bob retired from the Fire Department, they moved to Fairfield, Texas in 1986 and became actively involved in Fairfield United Methodist Church. Shirley made significant contributions to the church community as a prominent member of the choir and even enjoyed membership in the Bell Choir for an extended period of time.

In Fairfield, Shirley pursued various professional roles including serving as a secretary for Farm Bureau and Freestone County. Her love and compassion for children led her to work as a Nanny for several years.

As devoted as she was to her career and community service activities, Shirley loved her family above all else. She joyfully opened her home for family gatherings with Thanksgiving being one of her favorite occasions. When grandchildren came along, she adored having them stay overnight with her. Shirley found great happiness in spending time with her family. Playing and watching professional golf also brought her immense enjoyment. As an avid golfer, she regularly played at Fairfield Golf Club with her husband Bob.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Shirley remained in Fairfield until the untimely deaths of her daughter Tresa and sister Linda Kay. In 2012, she relocated to Coldspring, Texas to be closer to her sons. Shirley joined Coldspring Methodist Church, where she actively participated in the choir and Bell Choir until her declining health prevented her continued involvement.

Shirley is survived by her sons Bryan Burleson and Cody Burleson and wife Carrie Burleson. She is also survived by her grandchildren Braden Burleson and his wife Jodi Burleson, Josh Burleson, Jeff Pickell, Lauren Pickell, Collin Powell, Brittany Hernandez and her husband George Hernandez, Rocky Gianette, and Justin Burleson. Additionally, she leaves behind great-grandchildren Bryce Burleson, Danielle and Aliya Hernandez, Alysa Hernandez, Haily Hernandez, Christian Johnson, Leila Marshall, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, all seven siblings, her loving husband Bobby Joe Burleson and daughter Tresa Ann.

John Wesley once said "Those who fully invest their lives in the pursuit of glorifying God have nothing to fear from death; rather death becomes yet another opportunity for the grace of God to be made manifest." Shirley lived a life that brought honor to God through her deep love for her family and genuine character. While she will be profoundly missed by those she leaves behind, we take solace knowing that she is now singing with Angels and reunited with those who preceded her in death.