Shirley Gene Jones, 75, of Sherman, Texas passed away Wednesday morning, December 13, 2023, at home with her family.
Shirley was born on July 20, 1948, in Bonham, Texas to Shirley and Imogene (Call) Sells. Shirley was a 1966 graduate of Ector ISD and gained a bachelor’s and master’s degree from East Texas State University. She was a teacher and librarian for over 40 years, working at schools in Howe, San Angelo, Windom, and Bells.
Shirley grew up with a large extended family and had a network of dear friends that are like family as well. She had a big, kind heart that endeared her to a countless number of students, coworkers, and friends. She was drawn to those that needed her and made a difference in so many of their lives. Her granddaughters Mallori and Miranda were the light of her life for the past 18 years.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Imogene and Shirley Sells; and her sister Barbara Sells. She is survived by her husband, Rande; son, Rande and Lauri Jones; granddaughters, Mallori and Miranda Jones; siblings, Richard and Sherrie Sells, Betty and Kenny Burks. She had many nieces and nephews, Heather and Bo Harris, Mandy and Jerry Williams, Kristina and Nick Shahan, Dylan and Sarah Anglin, Mack and Jordan Sells, Kevin and Ariane Burks; along with great nieces and nephews, Nathan and Ally Harris, Bradley and Jaelyn Williams, Rich and Maci Sells, and Colton Shahan.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Carson Cemetery outside of Ector, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bells ISD Education Foundation in Shirley’s name. Mail checks to Bells Education Foundation 1550 Ole Ambrose Rd, Bells, Texas 75414, please visit //sites.google.com/bellsisd.net/education-foundation/become-a-donor?authuser=0.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Jones family in this difficult time of sorrow.
I’m so sorry to You hear of your loss.When I started teaching in Bells many years ago Shirley was someone who would always be there to help. Your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman.
So Sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers
Carolyn Johnson
Praying for your family. Shirley was my mentor and friend. I have so many precious memories of her. She did indeed touch so many lives, mine is one of them.
I have such wonderful memories of Mrs Jones. She had a beautiful heart, and I loved to see her smile. I was so blessed to have spent so much time with her when she was my librarian and Yearbook sponsor. Oh the fun we had at our Yearbook camps! Prayers for her sweet family for comfort during this time. She was a wonderful woman!
Shirley was a wonderful person. I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the friends and family. Mrs. Jones was an amazing woman, whom admittedly scared me when I was younger, with her no nonsense attitude. Then grew to admire as a woman who was whip smart, who truly cared for and loved all of us students and had such a great sense of humor. I am so saddened by her passing. She will truly be missed.
The Fellowship Sunday School class of Fairview Baptist Church in Sherman sends our love and prayers. Shirley was a faithful member of our class for many years. She leaves a void in our class that cannot be filled by anyone else. Her sense of humor and caring ways will be greatly missed.
I knew Shirley when we were both very young girls. Our families were both farmers near Ector & Ely. Whenever we had Ely community events, Shirley & I enjoyed playing together. Keeping your family in prayer.
I am saddened to hear of Shirley Gene’s passing. We grew up together at Ector Baptist Church and I have many fond memories of the Sells family. Praying for God’s grace to provide peace and comfort to you all. John 14:1-4
They don’t come any better….
Though Shirley and I have been out of touch for a number of years, she has remained in my heart as a dear friend. Saddened by the news of her passing.
Love and prayers to you, Richard and Betty, Rande and all the extended family.
Sue Frailicks Measles
Sending thoughts and prayers to family and friends. She was an amazing person and teacher. I have never forgotten her for helping me learn so many lessons.
I am so very sorry to hear of Shirley Gene’s passing. We knew each other years ago
growing up in Ector Baptist Church. I loved knowing Shirley Gene, and especially her
keen sense of humor. Our family was friends with all of the Sells family and have very
many special memories of some wonderful years past. May God be with each of you,
giving you His peace and comfort, now, and in the days ahead. Sending love and prayers! Numbers 6:24-26
I just saw this. I don’t go into messenger often because that is how I have always been hacked. I am crying and so very sad I missed her service. Shirley was my college roommate. She was so shy and in later years gave me credit for teaching her to talk. Talk a lot. I loved her. She was a dear friend. We spent time together through the years remembering our college fun. She loved Randy, his wife, and those beautiful granddaughters.