Shirley Steely Townes

Shirley Steely Townes, born April 30, 1946, in Huntsville, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. She spent most of her life in Huntsville, a community she deeply cherished. Shirley graduated from Huntsville High School in 1964 and continued her education at Sam Houston State University. She later earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Texas Woman’s University, beginning a lifelong career devoted to caring for others. She started her nursing career in Houston before returning home to Huntsville, where she faithfully served her community with compassion and dedication. While in Houston, Shirley met John Charles Townes, and they were married in 1971. Shortly after, they made their home in Huntsville, where Shirley began working at Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Over the years, she also became an LVN instructor at the Joe G. Davis Nursing School, where she mentored and inspired numerous nursing students. She balanced her professional life by caring for her family, including her aging parents, while raising her children. In 1995, Shirley and Charles moved to Lago Vista, near Austin, where they embraced the lakeside living. During this time, they traveled extensively visiting nearly all 50 states (with Alaska still on the list), as well as Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Shirley loved to have fun and truly lived life to the fullest, enjoying time with her many friends and family along the way. While living in Lago Vista and later in Austin, Shirley’s love of Christmas became legendary. Her over-the-top holiday light displays brought joy to neighbors and became a cherished tradition in the community. When Charles became ill, Shirley devoted herself to his care, serving as his primary caregiver with the same compassion and selflessness that defined her entire life, until his passing. Shirley never met a stranger. Her warmth, humor, and genuine kindness made her a joy to everyone who knew her. Even when she didn’t quite catch the joke, she would laugh right along—bringing light and laughter to those around her. She had a generous spirit and built many meaningful, lasting relationships with family and friends. After many years of retirement, Shirley returned to work in her sixties, embracing home health care—a role perfectly suited to her love of helping others and her enjoyment of being on the road. During this time, she formed many new friendships, including with her special companion, Wayne Palmer. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Ruby Steely; her mother-in-law Aileen Townes: her beloved husband of 34 years, Charles Townes; her special nephew, David Peyton, Sr.; and her grandson, Garrett Townes.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Kelvin and DeAnn Steely; her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and John Robertson; her daughter, Kristina Townes; her bonus daughter, Kathrine Townes; and her bonus son, Trevor Townes. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Amy Booth (husband Ryan), Collin Gilbert (wife Neo), Abigail Stanley (husband Logan), and Riley Robertson; as well as her great-grandchildren, Marlow Booth and Charles Stanley. Shirley is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends who were like family. Visitation will be held at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Black Jack Methodist Church Cemetery. Shirley’s life was a testament to compassion, joy, and love. Her legacy lives in the countless lives she touched, comforted, and inspired.