Shirley Gale Redding

Shirley Gale Redding, our baby sister, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at the age of 68. She was born October 21, 1956 in Beeville, Texas to Willie Dee and Vera Dee Redding.

She was preceded in death by her Dad, Willie Dee and her oldest brother, Thomas Wayne.

Survivors include her mother, Vera Dee (Mather) Redding; two sisters, Mary Lee Bludau and Vera Mae Redding; three brothers, Larry, Carl and Mike Redding; nieces and nephews, Michele White, Rodney and Thomas Redding Jr., Deborah Humphreys, Doug Smith, Jamie Harris, Laura and Jimmy Redding, Marcie Brown, Serena Leeton, Dani and Brent Redding, Lacey Durbin and Tucker Redding; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Shirley was a giving person, had a big generous heart and was young at heart. She was affectionate and loved giving hugs. Timid in her younger years, but as she grew, her personality blossomed. She was a defender of her family and friends. She was much to herself, loved her space, but loved to be with her family and friends and you could even say she was the "life of the party." She was always wanting attention and always having fun. She loved going to the beach and relaxing and enjoying being with her friends and sometimes a few family members. This was her safe place. 

Shirley wanted to be the coolest Aunt, and she was, since she did not have any kids of her own. That was a title she was proud of, always trying to be the favorite. She was called “crazy aunt.” So they called her “crazy woman.” On a trip to Fiesta Texas, she wanted to ride the roller coaster so she and three of her nieces rode with her. It was a scary ride, but she was a dare-devil and she loved a challenge. Being a “Hoot” with a beautiful smile and a mischievous nature is how some of her friends described her. She was also called Squirrely Shirley; and was an instigator, but only in a fun way.

She was not afraid to work and had numerous jobs and was a very reliable, dependable, hard worker. Her positions included that of a grocery checker, a waitress as well as cleaned houses, worked at the Uranium plant, turn arounds, gate guarding, as well as man jobs such as roofing, road construction and cowboy/cowgirl at the feed lot riding the pens on a horse - always hard at work.

She was somewhat mechanically inclined, trying to fix lawn mowers and a few other motorized gadgets. She was patient and had the ability to fix it if it could be fixed. She was a cap girl, and had many, so she would put on a cap and get busy.

She helped with fund-raisers, participated in the "Bikes for Boobs" and loved riding a motorcycle with friends when she had the opportunity. This made her happy. She was always willing to pitch in and help those in need. At these events, she even took a hoola hoop and did her thing…hoola hooping for her friends was a memorable time.

Shirley had many qualities and talents, and her craft work showed just how good she was. She did great artistic work and was a perfectionist. She could draw free handed and did sketches of her Dad and Grandpa. She loved to fish, play pool, hunt, bowl and gamble. She had her share of winning on her bowling trips. Being a really good bowler, she did get her 300 game at a State tournament. She also won some poker hands in Texas Hold’Em many times. Above all, Shirley loved to dance. One of the best on the floor, could follow anyone and could make any man who could not dance, really look good...she shined on that floor.

Shirley loved her family and would do anything for them. Her family has so many memories of all the years at the holiday get-togethers and reunions. She was always late, so we figured out not to have her bring the plates...we switched to the rolls. This was an ongoing joke from the very beginning of our meals and the brothers would ask, “what is Shirley bringing?” She cherished her time with Mom and told her she was her sunshine. Now she is Mom’s sunshine.

At the end, with this disease, Shirley did not want to eat much of anything, or anything at all. We can all say now that she will enjoy her meals from now on with our Father in heaven along with Daddy and Thomas Wayne. Until we meet again, Shirley, we will miss you, our baby sister. We love you!!

Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, at First Baptist Church in George West followed by the funeral service at 3 o’clock. Burial will follow in the George West Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Redding, Thomas Redding, Jr., Doug Smith, Brent Redding, Tucker Redding and Jimmy Jones.