Shirley Sammons July 8, 2016

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday, July 2, 2016

New Jerusalem COGIC

FM 782

Henderson, Texas

Visitation:

Friday, July 1, 2016

Time: 3 – 6 PM

Eternal Rest Funeral Home

1400 N Hampton Road

Desoto, Texas 75115

Burial:

Post Oak Cemetery

Shirley Dyvonne Sammons was born November 30, 1952 in Henderson, Texas to the parentage of Fannie Horton and Bennie, who preceded her in death. Shirley attended high school, college & grad school- always excelling in her studies.  Very few would know that Shirley was even accepted to medical school in college.  Shirley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Chicago State University & a Master’s degree in Education, Administration & Supervision at Roosevelt University Chicago.

Shirley was a loyal servant & stood firmly on her faith.  While in Texas Shirley attended New Jerusalem Church in God & Christ & when in Chicago attended Living Sanctuary.

Shirley enjoyed a variety of activities like: cooking, baking, singing, sewing, traveling and reading.  Shirley was a songbird as she sang around the house, at work, while driving or anytime she got a tune in her head. Those who met Shirley found out at some point how well she cooked & always wanted to know when she would be cooking or baking something again soon! Several requests for her to sing were made weekly at church & at work during the holidays.  Shirley was compassionate about her job working with children, teaching & letting others know that anything is possible if you work hard & believe you can do it.  Shirley taught math & science at many grade levels, later a school bus driver and most recently a youth care worker.  Shirley always gave what she could; contributing time, kind words & actions to show how much she cared.  There were even times when Shirley worked many hours at the girl’s home for the mentally ill & developmentally delayed where she would take time to style the girl’s hair, teach them to bake, cook, and any other helpful task requested of her.

Outside of work, Shirley was devoted to her family as she assisted her husband at his place of business for 24 years. There wasn’t anything that she let slip through the cracks or didn’t think to remind James of or suggest.  Shirley always uplifted her daughters when they were overwhelmed with life, whether it be school, stress at work or the woes of having a new baby-Shirley was a listening ear & gave advice when asked.  A loving touch or smile was always given just at the right time even when life seemed the hardest. Even though the last few years of Shirley’s life were not filled with good news, Shirley never missed an opportunity to say something encouraging, laugh at a joke or make light hearted jokes herself.

Shirley was honored several times at work for being a superior employee who was always rose above standards.

Shirley was diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease on July 19th, 2014.  This horrible debilitating disease took away her independence, by weakening all of her muscles to where she was unable to walk, affecting her ability to speak and eventually her ability to breathe.  Shirley kept her faith, despite the news of ALS as she continued to support her family with encouragement, continued trying to be as independent as possible until she had no choice to let those close to her assist with daily tasks she once did on her own.  ALS has no cure but Shirley hoped as well as many others, for a cure to be discovered soon so no one else & their families suffer through this mentally and emotionally draining process.

Shirley leaves behind her husband James Earl Sammons, Daughters: Kahea Dyvonne Sammons and

Lashaunda Raquell Anyaegbu; step daughter, Tanisha Robinson; siblings – Sherman Horton (Laquita) and  Sheena Shelton (Johnny); grandchildren – Clayton Elliott Sammons, Halei, Keaton and Courtney. Shirley also leaves behind a host of other family and friends who loved her.

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Eternal Rest Funeral Home – “Creating Memories That Will Last A Lifetime”

Call us for additional information: 972-228-6750