Shirley Jean Morgan Sanders (Sunshine)

On Friday, August 19, 2022, Shirley Jean Morgan Sanders (Sunshine) 72 of Galveston Texas, answered the call from God at Harbor Hospice in Houston, Texas.

 

Services will be held Friday, Sept. 02, 2022, at Jerusalem Baptist Church 2717 Ave H. Galveston Texas. Visitation will begin at 9AM until Funeral at 10AM. Interment will be held at 2PM in Houston National Cemetery Houston, TX.

 

Shirley (Sunshine), a beautiful baby girl, was born to Aaron Morgan, Sr., and Catherine Sheppard Morgan on August 27, 1949, at John Sealy Hospital. Under the leadership of Reverend A.S. Johnson, Shirley was baptized and accepted Christ at a very early age. Shirley was a faithful member of the church and sang in various youth choirs such as the Junior Choir, the Women’s Choir and later the Senior Choir. Her involvement with the church also included the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other auxiliaries.

Shirley began her early education in the Galveston Public School System. She graduated from Central High School in 1968. After graduating, Shirley attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. While focusing on her studies, she also participated in the African American Choir. This choir would frequently worship with Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. Upon completion of her education, Shirley graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1972. She furthered her education by completing courses at Prairie View A&M University in Special Education.

While in Brownwood, Texas, Shirley met and later married William (Bill) Sanders. Although they did not have any biological children, they were very proud of their goddaughter named Shirley Williams Kirby (Colin) who they loved as their own.

Shirley was employed by the Galveston Independent School District where she worked as an art teacher and later became a Special Education English Teacher until she retired in 2007.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Sanders, her parents, Aaron Morgan, Sr. and Catherine Sheppard Morgan, sister Cassandra Faye, brother Dan (Pat), sister Carol (Liz), brother, Aaron, Jr., stepbrother Emanuel, sisters-in law, Brenda, and Lou.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Milton Delarence Morgan, Sr. (Bonita), step-sister Doris Jean Morgan-Higginbottom, sisters in-law, Glenda, Brenda, and Thelma, god-daughter, Shirley Williams Kirby (Colin), Spiritual daughter Jackie Hockless, aunts, Mary Winngard and Susie Sheppard, uncles, Joseph Morgan, Bo Robinson, and Edward Alfred, nieces; Sharon, Alexia, Tiffany (Andre), Charisma, Catherine, Brittany, and Jasmine, nephews; Aaron III, Milton, Jr., LeThomas and Tyrone (Christina), great-nieces; Leaundra and Shiylar, great nephews; Axaylor and Azuron, and many other great-nieces, nephews and cousins. Shirley also leaves precious memories with her church family, former co-workers, friends, and a legacy of love to all those who mourn her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shirley Jean Sanders scholarship fund at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2717 Rev. A.S. Johnson Blvd, Galveston, Texas 77550.

Proctor’s Mortuary – Beaumont, is in charge of final arrangements, 3522 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, TX. 77705 (409) 840-2022. The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com