Shirley Jean Pleasant's Obituary
Obituary of Shirley Jean Woodkins Pleasant
On April 20, 1942, the winds were still as Shirley Jean Woodkins made her debut. Blessing the union of Henry and Lurlie Woodkins, Shirley was born in Marshall, Texas. She attended the Marshall Independent Schools and graduated with high honors. Upon completion, she was accepted as a scholarship recipient to Prairie View A&M University. While there, she attained her Bachelor of Science in the field of Dietetics – a talent that would serve her well in years to come.
In June of 1962, cupid’s arrow struck and Shirley was united in holy matrimony with Leon Lang. To this union was born Christopher Justin. Unfortunately, after the death of her first husband, Shirley found herself as a single mother of one. She did not let that hinder her.
In October of 1972, cupid’s arrow found her again. She and Timothy Thomas were wed and were blessed with the arrival of Johnathan Alden. Although the marriage ended, Shirley was thankful for the gift of her second son.
In 1985, Cupid aimed their arrow one last time – a union that would stand the test of time. In November, Shirley married Clabon E. Pleasant the love of her life. Their union would last until his death.
In her lifetime, Shirley would have a huge impact in the lives of many. Her career began as administrative assistant to attorney Charles Shavers, Jr. in Dallas. Here she honed her skills and built her reputation as a tenacious professional.
She served as the administrative assistant and manager of the daycare center at Freedom Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor Mack T. Fleming serves as pastor. Under her direction, Shirley revolutionized child nutrition and development for the center.
After marrying Mr. Pleasant, Shirley moved to the community of Hamilton Park. Upon learning that the Methodist Church there was in need of an administrative assistant, Shirley applied. Dr. Henry L. Masters, recognizing Shirley’s can-do/take charge spirit, hired her without haste. She would serve in this capacity for over twenty years providing support to numerous pastors assigned to the church. Here, she provided leadership to a vast number of organizations including: (Hamilton Park UMC) Mature Adult ministries, Communion Board, History and Archives Chair, Church Decorator, First Ms. Mature Hamilton Park, Wednesday Morning Bible Study, and more; Mature Adults Group of Hamilton Park Community Center; Hamilton Park Bridge Club.
One organization where Shirley was especially proud to serve was her beloved Iota Phi Lamda, Sorority Inc. She held several leadership positions there and received the following awards: Soror of the Year, Community Service Award, Outstanding Fundraiser, Networking, and Outstanding Journalist. She served there in leadership as the Education and Scholarship chair.
Shirley never met a stranger. She opened her home to many and mentored more than can be counted. She was a perfectionist and shared her creative spirit and gifts in many ways. From wedding coordination to event planning, you always knew a Shirley Pleasant production when you saw it.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Clabon E. Pleasant, Sr; parents Henry and Lurlie Woodkins, sister Loretta Turner, brother Thomas Henry Woodkins and nieces Lannie Turner and Debrah Woodkins. She leaves to mourn her loss but continue her legacy: sons, Christopher Lang (Tonya), Johnathan Thomas (Mareya), brother, Clyde Woodkins (Marie); bonus children, Stanley Pleasant, Lisa Pleasant, Sonya Pleasant, Clabon E. Pleasant, Jr. (Lynn); extra son, Rodney Boyden; sister in law Willia Ruth Woodkins; best friends Rita Heath Powell and Dorothy Lewis; and fifteen grandchildren as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
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