Shirley Jane Neal

Shirley Jane Neal, was born on January 15, 1944, in Dallas, TX. She passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, in Abilene, TX, at the age of 80, after a 10 year journey with Alzheimer’s.

Shirley was the cherished second daughter of Margaret Aleen Wells Neal and Nevil Haywood Neal. She grew up in a loving family alongside her siblings, Margaret Johnson, Pamela Peterson, and David Neal and wife Teresa. She was preceded in death by her parents Haywood and Aleen, her sister Pamela Peterson, her husband of 32 years, Gene Shelton, and her grandson Brenner Beard. As well as her Brother in law Jack Johnson.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Shirley is survived by her four Daughters. Nathalie Johnson and husband James, Cassie Ohlhausen and husband Kent, Tonia Beard and husband Scott and Wendy Holmes and husband Andy. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Calli and Alex Clay, Clara Johnson, Ashley and Sam Hurley (Emerson, Arlo, Iris, and Eden), Taylor and Cerise Ohlhausen (Reagan), Gentry Beard, Jake Beard, Shelton and Lauren Holmes (Julian), Andrew Holmes, and Avy Holmes.

Shirley graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1962 and attended Abilene Christian College. At ACC she met and married Carroll Gene Shelton, who at the first site of Shirley in the “World Famous Bean”, told his buddy “There’s the girl I’m going to marry.” Life got busy and exciting with the birth of four daughters. Shirley was the ultimate homemaker and loving mother to her girls, teaching them so many things about sewing, painting, ceramics, crafting and cooking perfect family meals. She knitted love, creativity and joy into the hearts of her daughters and created a welcoming home for all to enjoy. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother as well as friend, who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness and her beautiful musical laugh. She taught her daughters to love God and believed her greatest accomplishment was instilling a deep lifelong faith in her four girls. Shirley's legacy of creativity, love, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her girls, as well as all of the people who loved her.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on August 10th in the Metroplex

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made through your home church in Shirley’s memory. Shirley believed strongly in the good work of the people of God.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her girls and her family and all who knew her. Her spirit, strength and faith will forever remain a guiding force in the lives of those she touched.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.