08/16/2026
Keep our family in prayers 🙏
🕊️ Sent with Heavenly Choirs: A Daughter’s Witness 🕊️
"To my beautiful mom, Shirley Jean, who took her peaceful final breath at age 83 on August 15, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. CST, completely surrounded by love. Though I was miles away and couldn't physically be there, God and His holy angels made sure our spirits were bound together, while my wonderful sister, Jennifer, stayed by her side. Jennifer held her hand through her very last moments, honoring her, loving her, and protecting her until the very end. Jennifer is carrying so much on her shoulders right now, and her deep devotion to our mother is a beautiful testament to the love our family shares.
As the Bible says in Galatians 6:9, 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Jennifer did not give up; she walked our mother all the way to the threshold of eternity.
Two days before I even found out she was sick, the Holy Spirit began whispering to me through music I don't even normally listen to, gently preparing my heart. Yesterday, right before she left her earthly body, the final song came to me. These are the songs I will forever remember her by her final gifts of comfort to me:
'Show Me Your Glory' by Third Day
Out of nowhere, the words came directly to my spirit: 'I want to see Your face.' I know now that this was my mom’s final earthly prayer. After successfully beating cancer, staying completely clear of it, and living a quiet, solitary life since losing my dad, her long wait is over. Shirley Jean has stepped out of sickness and into the promise of John 14:2: 'In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you.' She is finally looking directly into the face of Jesus.
'God of Wonders'
The very last song I heard yesterday right before she passed from a UTI was this grand anthem of praise: 'Lord of all creation... The heavens are Your tabernacle, glory to the Lord on high!' As she took her last breath at 9:30 p.m. while holding Jennifer's hand, the doors of heaven opened wide. She did not slip away into silence; she entered into the magnificent, breathtaking wonders of the Creator, greeted by the angels, her husband, her mom, and her grandmother.
We find ultimate comfort in Revelation 21:4: 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'
These songs were a definitive sign from God. He cushioned my grief, took away the distance between us, and assured me that my mom, Shirley Jean, was passing straight into eternal glory. She fought the good fight, she kept the faith, and she is finally home. We love you, mom, and we thank and honor you, Jennifer, for your beautiful, servant hearted love."
Love you mom so much 😭 😭
We are all broken 💔 💔
Time for sorrow weeping you will be very missed from all of us I love you so much I wish I was there with you to say goodbye I'm in Texas and I couldn't do it it was too late I wish I could have gone on a plane and then with Jennifer to hold your hand I love you so much.
Toni
