March 13, 1945 – February 20, 2024.
A memorial service for Jacque Shirley Harris was held on February 23, at Wilson Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel.
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 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. As a hobby she won several contests 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 was active on the “Gun Show” circuit where she marketed her work 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 counterparts by selling “while you wait” personalized 5×7 paintings of outhouses. Unwittingly, she made Willie Nelson wait in line like everyone else at the Austin Gun Show. Outhouses gave her notoriety. She called it her coca cola money. She was loved and esteemed by all on the circuit.
Shirley was known for her loving heart and unwavering spirit for life. 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 participated in the Rains County Art League of which she was a founding member, the Garden Club, the Women’s Service Club and championed the Christmas on the Square project from 1988 to 1999. She and her husband were co-owners of the Wilson Harris Funeral Home in Emory. In later life Shirley retired to provide full time care to both her ailing husband and mother-in-law. All this while battling Chrons disease from age 17 which resulted in over 5 major surgeries. Case studies done on her battle with Chrons impacted therapies to control this disease today with medication. This legacy will live forever.
As a matriarch, Shirley has 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Known to the grands as “Oley” she was beloved and known for her faith in Jesus, love of dogs, exceptional storytelling, fashion sense and of course her hair and nails.
Ultimately Shirley was a follower of Jesus Christ, actively 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 to all believers; “It’s OK, the Lord Knows what He’s Doing.”
Shirley was preceded in bereavement by her husband Phil T. Harris of 55 years; her mother-in-law, Reene Harris; her parents, JW and Jaque 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 and 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; beloved Chihuahua, Jackson. And numerous nephews and nieces.
Shirley has a pure soul and the Holy Spirit burned bright within her. She was a blessing to all who knew her. The life she lived in this world will always be revered and never forgotten. Rest in Peace.