Shirley Ann Medford

Shirley Ann Thane Medford, passed away on March 24, 2023 at Hendrick Hospice after a brief illness. She was 85 years old. She was born in Jones County on June 15, 1937 to Robert Louis Thane and Frances Ernestine Thane. She graduated from Avoca High School in 1955 where she was the Valedictorian. She married Willie Lee Medford on July 30, 1960. They had two children Robert Wayne Medford and Lisa Renee Long.

Shirley graduated from Texas Lutheran College in 1958 and went on to have a long teaching career for over 30 years. She taught at Paint Creek, Stamford, Wingate and Winters.  She touched many lives during her teaching career and remained friends with many of her former students.

She was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford, Texas where she and her husband both taught Sunday school for many years.

She lost Willie in 1998, but soon found a new love in her life, her grandson, Seth. Lala, as she was affectionally known, took care of him when he was young and he remained her favorite person until the day she died. Lala was Seth’s cheerleader and life encourager on his life journey from school events, sports, to becoming an adult.

Shirley excelled as a domestic person in her love for cooking, baking, and caring for her home.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Medford, and her parents.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Medford of Thornton, Colorado, her daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Kevin Long of Abilene, Texas, and her grandchild Seth Long and his wife Bailey.

Visitation will be Monday, March 27, 2023 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home (807 Columbia) Stamford, Texas. Graveside Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the Howard Cemetery near Paint Creek, Texas with Rev. Steve Patterson officiating.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com .