Shirley Rae (Howse) Shaw

Shirley Rae (Howse) Shaw, of Commerce, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her passing. Shirley was born in Cooper, Texas, on July 17, 1936, the daughter of Rufus Willard Howse and Ruby Maynard Howse. The family will receive visitors at a visitation to take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Commerce Funeral Home. A funeral will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Reverend Terry Holley officiating. Burial will take place at Rosemound Cemetery.

Shirley was raised in the Liberty Grove Community. She attended Cooper schools. Shirley married Kenneth Ray Shaw, of Pecan Gap, in 1951. They made their home in Commerce, Texas and raised two children. Shirley retired from Texas A&M University-Commerce (ETSU) where she was a cashier for the registrar’s office. Throughout her life, Shirley’s hobby was sewing. She loved fabric and making beautiful quilts. She belonged to various quilting guilds and enjoyed getting together with her quilting friends. For a time, she was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Ladies Round Pen at Cross Trails Cowboy Church. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Commerce. Shirley was happiest when she could spend time with her family and many friends. She was generous with her time and talents.

Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her son, Kenneth Ray Shaw, Jr. (Kenny) of Watonga, Oklahoma, daughter, Teresa Collins and husband, Ed, of Rockwall, Texas; grandchildren, Lee Collins, Russell Collins, Trey Shaw, Samantha Dorn, and Shea and Shelby Shaw; great grandchildren, Jordan and Kaylie Shaw, Alaina Collins, and Waylon and Zoie Shaw; a sister, Rose Smith, of Sulphur Springs as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, who passed away on March 20, 2018; her parents, Rufus and Ruby Howse, and two brothers, James Howse and George Howse.

Shirley’s family would like to express their sincere love and gratitude to the entire staff at Country Home Estates, where she was a resident for the past four years, for their excellent care. She has made many new friends there, especially Chub Lambert. Chub was a blessing to not only Shirley, but to her whole family. His friendship has meant the world to them!

Serving as pallbearers for Shirley are Kenny Shaw, Ed Collins, Trey Shaw, Shea Shaw, Terry Julian, and Damon Jones.