Shirley Carol Mosley Morrison
On July 6, 2021, Shirley Carol Mosley Morrison went peacefully to her eternal home in heaven after a two-and-a-half-year battle with sarcoma cancer. Surrounded by her family and closest friends, she closed her eyes at her home on earth, and opened them to look upon her sweet savior’s face – victorious in her never-ending faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Shirley was born on September 21,1949, in Dublin, Texas, to James and Wanda Mosley. At an early age, Shirley fell in love with Jesus and made the decision to follow him all the days of her life. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Andrews, where she grew in her faith through Sunday school, Girls Auxiliary, Choir, and mission organizations. As a high-school student she carried the hope of the gospel with her playing baritone in the Andrews High School Marching Band, participating in National Honor Society, and working as a candystriper at the Hospital.
After her high-school graduation in May of 1968, Shirley pursued her education, spending her first year at South Plains College before transferring to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education, and met the love of her life, Kenneth Ernest Morrison, Jr. The two were wed on December 26, 1970. Upon Ken’s graduation from Hardin-Simmons and his completion of army ROTC training, the couple moved to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, where they resided for 3 years as Ken served our country in the 82nd Airborne Division. While there, Shirley and Ken welcomed their son Kenneth Ernest (Trey) Morrison III. In 1975, Ken was transferred to Bamberg, Germany. While Ken continued to serve his country, Shirley continued to serve her Lord by volunteering to work with the Overseas Christian Servicemen’ Centers, a house where Servicemen could go for encouragement and Christian studies while they were so far away from home. When his tour of duty was over, Ken & Shirley moved back to Shirley’s beloved hometown of Andrews, and shortly thereafter, God blessed them with their beautiful daughter, Misty Dawn.
Eventually, the couple settled in Midland, where they have resided for the past 47 years. They joined First Baptist Church, their very first Sunday in town, and as she did wherever she went, Shirley again made the most of every opportunity to make Jesus known. Shirley taught numerous Sunday School classes over the years; the most recent being the 2nd grade class with her best friend, Loretta. Shirley loved seeing children grasp the concept that Jesus loved them more than anything. She served as G.A. director both at FBC and at the associational level. She planned many camps for girls that taught them to love Jesus with all their heart, soul, and might and to share the “Good News” that Jesus came to save us from our sin if only we would believe in him. It was at FBC Midland that both of Shirley’s children believed this truth and accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
The Father was gracious to Shirley, allowing her to combine her love for him and her passion for teaching to impact her city for Christ. From starting a preschool in her home to opening a Christian school in the community, Shirley faithfully led others in their walk with God. She taught and tutored children for MISD and worked for Midland College, where she taught GED prep classes in the Midland County Detention Center. Working in the prison was Shirley’s ministry, and she taught there for 19 years, until she was diagnosed with Sarcoma. Shirley loved everyone and was a friend to all. She loved life and lived it well. Her joy was contagious. Everywhere she went, she shared the gift of laughter with those around her, and people were drawn not only to her, but to the Jesus she loved more than life itself.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father James W Mosley Sr. She is survived by her husband, Ken, her son Trey and wife Kara of Atlanta, Georgia, and her daughter Misty of Midland. Shirley is also survived by her grandchildren Kieva and Ezra Morrison of Atlanta, Des’ree Wainright of Odessa, and Courtney Jr, Caylyn, and Cashlyn McMaryion of Midland, as well as her two great-grandchildren, Celeste and E’Voni. Other survivors include her mother, Wanda Mosley of Andrews, her sister, Jana Bowles and husband Dwight of Tomball, and her brother Jamie Mosley and wife Carla, of Houston, as well as several nieces and nephews, many precious cousins, her sister-in-love, Jeanna Conner, her best friend, Loretta Glass, too many friends to enumerate, and lastly, the companion that never left her side, her puppy - Bluebelle.
A funeral service to celebrate Shirley’s life is planned for this Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10 am at the First Baptist Church of Midland, located at 2104 W Louisiana Avenue. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, July 16th, at Nalley, Pickle, & Welch Funeral Home (3800 N. Big Spring) in Midland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
