Shirley Powell Head

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Shirley Powell Head, who died peacefully surrounded by her family on October 30, 2023. Shirley was born in Shelbyville, Texas to Irl Hicks and Oma (Tillman) Powell. She was the youngest of four children. She grew up in the Shelbyville Methodist Church and attended Shelbyville schools. After high school, Shirley completed business college in Shreveport and moved to Beaumont to work in the insurance field. Soon after, she moved to Tyler to begin working for Floyd West and Company where she continued to enjoy being in the insurance profession. Shirley was a faithful member of Marvin Methodist Church where she met her beloved husband, John Oliver Head, in the Chapel Sunday School Class. Shirley and John were married for 48 years before his death in 2002. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a positive role model for her family and friends whom she deeply cherished. Shirley epitomized the meaning of strength, courage, and resilience. Not only was she a dedicated member of Marvin, she also held several leadership positions in her Chapel Sunday School Class. Additionally, Shirley devoted much of her time volunteering in the Welcome Center and visitation ministries. Her greatest joy was serving the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Frank, Jack, and James Powell, all of Shelbyville. She is survived by daughters, Sheree (Greg) Fowler, Suzanne (Steve) Skeels, and Suzette (Jef) Harris; grandchildren: Gunner (Samantha) Fowler, Whitney (Jordan) Shinn, Britney (Brian) Buhman, William (Meredith) Harris, Christiana Harris, Frances Caroline Harris, Andrew (Mary Paige) Harris, Luke Skeels, Oliva (Collin) Chidiac, and Caroline Skeels; six great-grandchildren: Henley, Theodore, Florence, the late Marlowe Shinn, Beasley Harris, and Grady Fowler. She is also survived by nephews, Greg Powell and Tim (Donna) Powell. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Marvin Methodist Church, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Marvin Methodist Church, 300 West Erwin, Tyler, Texas 75702 (https://marvin.church), or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701 (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org).