Shirley Louise Renfro's Obituary
In loving memory of Shirley Louise Renfro, 77, who passed away on May 23, 2017, with her children by her side. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and grandmother. She was born October 31, 1939, to Bryant William Echols and Frances Mae Youngblood in Cleburne, Texas. While still young, her family moved to Houston, Texas where she attended and graduated from Milby High School. On September 14, 1957, she married Bryce Wayne Renfro. Shirley was devoted to her husband Wayne, to whom she was married for 20 years, as well as to her two children with whom she was very close. She was always focused on going above and beyond to ensure the very best for her children. She had a sense of self and independence that are so rare and so necessary in a mother. She was a strong woman who believed in speaking her mind, she believed no one else can do it for you. She was a role model for her family and never said an unkind word about others. She was beloved by countless friends, co-workers as well as her adoring family, and she remembered each of them regularly in thought and deed. She was a very special lady in all that she accomplished and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She had an infectious laugh and beautiful smile. She LOVED traveling, was an incredibly talented pianist, avid financial trader and a true football fan, especially the Houston Oilers. She was a legal secretary for Exxon for many years and then earned her BS in Computer Science at the University of Houston. She retired from ExxonMobil with 30 years of service. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frances Mae Youngblood and Bryant William Echols and step-father Bruce Willard Martin and her husband Bryce Wayne Renfro. She is survived by her two children, Darlene Louise Tidwell (daughter) and husband Matt Tidwell of Plano, David Wayne Renfro (son) and wife Marilyn Renfro of San Marcos, Texas. Grandchildren are Ryan Atkinson, Reece Atkinson, and Matthew Renfro. The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to her devoted nurse Rebecca Kamara at Signature Pointe, faithful caregivers Helen Beadiako and Precious Okpulor and her hospice nurse, Kelly Dickson with Total Hospice and Palliative Care, who met her every need. There will be a memorial service held on Friday, June 2, 2017, at 10:00 AM at Restland in the Wildwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor. New York, NY 10001 or by phone 1-866-232-8484, Meals on Wheels, or the charity of your choice.
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