Shirley Harris

     Memorial Service for Jacque Shirley Harris will be held on Friday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m at Wilson Orwosky Chapel; visitation will be an hour prior.    

     Shirley Harris, nationally renowned Western Artist, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and long time Emory resident has been called home by the Lord. Shirley answered her heavenly call in peace surrounded by her family and friends.

      A Dallas native, Shirley called Emory home in 1973 to raise her family. As her children became older, Shirley began to develop her talent for painting. She won several contests and awards to include a painting used for the cover of the Contel Phone Book. In the early eighties she entered the professional ranks, breaking down walls for women artists in the male dominated Western Art genre. Her work can be seen in galleries all over the country and purchased at auction.

      She marketed her work on the “Gun Show” circuit earning the respect and friendship of some of the leading Western Artists in the world. Her agent often commented how her cash flow outpaced her male counter parts by selling “while you wait” personalized 5x7 paintings of outhouses. Unwittingly she made Willie Nelson wait in line for his outhouse at the Austin Gun Show. Outhouses gave her notoriety. She simply called it her coca cola money.

     Shirley was known for her loving perseverant heart. She was owner of the Broken H Gallery in Emory for over 30 years where she gave art lessons to children and adults. Several of her students won Blue Ribbons at County and State Fairs. She was an active member of the Rains County Art League, the Garden Club, and the Women’s Service Club. Shirley championed the Christmas on the Square project from 1988 to 1999 and a co-owned the Wilson Harris Funeral Home in Emory. In later life Shirley retired to provide full time care to both her husband and mother-in-law. Her spirit is further evidenced as she endured 5 major surgeries as a Chrons disease survivor from age 17.

Case studies done on her lifetime battle with Chrons impacted therapies to control this disease today with medication. This legacy will live forever. The matriarch to a large family, Shirely has 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Known to the grands as “Oley” she was cherished and known for her faith in Jesus, exceptional storytelling, and of course her hair and nails.

     Shirley was a follower of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as her Lord and Savior. She was member of Emory Baptist Church and active in her Sunday School class and small group bible study. She is known for her trademark advice; “It’s OK, the Lord Knows what He’s Doing”.

     Shirely was preceded in bereavement by her husband Phil T. Harris of 55 years, her mother-in-law Reene Harris, her parents JW and Jacque Stevenson, her brother Jim “Jimbo” Stevenson and grandson Matthew Shedd. She is survived by her children, Reene Harris Shedd and husband David, Phil T Harris Jr and wife Margo. Sister Jean Moize and husband Bill. Sister Sarah. Lifelong friend Nancy Wilson. Grandchildren: Kelsey (Shedd) Varner and husband Zach, Zach Harris and fiancé Melissa, Jordan (Shedd) Story and AJ Harris and wife Alexandra. Great Grandchildren: Matt, Scarlett, Kelsea, Eliana, Amelia, Clare, Eli, Eden, Sabrina and Emmett. Her beloved Jackson. And numerous nephews and nieces.

     The Holy Spirit burned bright within Shirley. The life she lived in this world will never be forgotten