Shirley Dell Randle Kethley, 88, of Port Acres, Texas, passed to Heaven on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at her home in Port Acres, Texas, where she was surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born on December 12, 1931, to A.C. Jr. and Emma Mae Randle of Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brothers, Richard M. Randle, A.C. Randle III, H.L. Randle, her sister-in-law Helen Randle, and her nephew, Richard M. Randle II.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Leon Edward Kethley. Having five children, they were both very passionate about their family. Survivors include her children, Katherine Allred and her husband, Lonnie, of Franklinville, North Carolina; Jackie Ann Kethley of Port Acres, Texas; Hulette Kethley, and his wife, Denise, of Port Acres, Texas; Leon Kethley Jr. of Beaumont, Texas; and Reverend Timothy Paul Kethley and his wife, Cynthia, of West Columbia, Texas. With six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, Shirley was truly a loving and lovable grandmother. In addition to Shirley’s immediate family, other survivors include her sister-in-law Ethel Randle, and three nephews as well as her husband’s siblings who became as close as her own siblings: Ruby and Billy Parker and their children and families; Alice Kethley; and Jack and Dixie Kethley and their sons and families.
Shirley attended Stephen F. Austin HS in Port Acres, graduating in 1950. She lived a full life and enjoyed many activities and ministries. As a member of St. John’s UMC, she helped in Vacation Bible School, taught Sunday School, and participated in the Methodist Women's Ministry. She was a Bluebird/Camp Fire Girl leader with her daughters, and she spent time with her sons as a Cub Scout Den Mother for Pack 91. Shirley was a recipient of the coveted Silver Fawn Award for her service in the Boy Scouts. Though her personal sport was bowling with "Gert's Gals" in a bowling league, Shirley was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan. She also enjoyed traveling through the US with her husband and grandchildren, visiting casinos, fishing, and crabbing.
The family will be hosting family and friends on Wednesday, June 3 at St. John's United Methodist Church in Port Acres from 12:00- 2:00 pm, with a celebration of life service at 2:00pm in the sanctuary. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Cemetery, Port Neches, TX.
The family asks that all donations be made to St. John's United Methodist Church. The family also sends a special “Thank You” to Texas Home Health Hospice, in appreciation for the care given to Shirley, especially to Amy Campbell and Robbin Miller.