Shirley Raye O'Brien

Shirley Raye Owers O’Brien   May 23, 1935 – November 4, 2021

Ecclesiastes 3: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Our beloved mother, Shirley O'Brien peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of November 4th surrounded by her four children and three of her grandchildren. We are grateful she is no longer suffering and in pain; nevertheless, the grief is heavy with our loss. Unconditional love was a gift she gave each and every one of us throughout our lives and she enriched our lives in so many ways. We had so many wonderful adventures over the years, but this final journey into the arms of our Heavenly Father she made alone.
Shirley was born in Port Arthur, Texas on May 23, 1935 to Colice and Velma Owers, the youngest sister of Betty Jean and Sybil Owers. She was raised in Port Arthur and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Shirley was active in her church, attending summer camps and bible study groups. She also participated in team sports and played the snare drum for the TJ High Huzzers.
Shirley met her husband, Terry O’Brien when she went to Kuhn’s paint store to buy supplies for a bible study class she was teaching. Terry asked her out and Shirley said yes – but on the condition, he attend the class with her. Terry agreed, and after a whirlwind courtship they were married three months later on January 21, 1957. In 1962, they moved to Corpus Christi where they raised four children: Patricia, Sharon, David, and Gretchen.
Shirley was a talented artist and incorporated that gift into every aspect of her life; landscaping, toll painting, oils, watercolors, and quilting. Her quilts became her best representation of her creativity; they were vivid in color and design. Shirley’s adventurous spirit took her many places, including many travels abroad, enjoying new languages, landscapes, architecture, and foods.
Shirley was a gifted listener; she never rushed when a friend, child or grandchild needed her time and attention. Her family and friends were the beneficiaries of her intrepid spirit, appreciation of wonder, love of nature, creative soul, and artist’s heart. She had a gorgeous smile that illuminated her face and she laughed often. She reminded her family often that “very little is a big deal, so relax and don’t worry! God’s in the middle of everything and He will give you direction.”
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years in 1987, Terrence O’Brien and her granddaughter, Katelyn O’Brien in 2013. To cherish her memory, she is survived by her children; Patricia O’Brien, Sharon (Ralph) Pettijohn, David (Regina) O’Brien, and Gretchen (Mitch) Terry, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday, November 20th 2021 at Seaside Memorial Chapel at 11:30 am. Internment will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to Compassion International using this link; http://www.compassion.com/shirleyobrien. Donations may be mailed using the following instructions:
In the note portion of the check, write “Memorial Gift – Shirley O’Brien.” Send all checks to:
Compassion International
Attn: Sponsor Donor Processing
12290 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Seaside Funeral Home.


 

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