Shirley Badgett of Port Arthur, Texas joined her husband, Ernest Lester Badgett, Jr. in heaven on Friday, March 28, 2014, at age 87. She was born October 7, 1926, in Port Arthur to Sidney and Viola Greig. Shirley and Lester owned Roy’s Western Wear, a Port Arthur landmark, which they and their children operated for over fifty-five years. She was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and found love and happiness in her family. Shirley is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School class of 1944, and Port Arthur College School of Business. As a young woman she was an officer of the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does, which was an independent organization of Elkdom to maintain true and loyal allegiance to the United States of America.
She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Ernest Lester Badgett, Jr. of Port Arthur; and her sister, Jerry Greig Brice of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Shirley enjoyed playing bridge and poker, going to church, and keeping in touch with her extended family on her iPad. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend an activity for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley stayed active, loved her independence and also loved to travel. She toured Europe with one of her daughters and son- in-law, visiting Venice, Croatia, Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. In Rome she realized her dream of visiting the Vatican. Shirley was very active in her church, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland, Texas, bringing communion to the homebound and attended an ACTS retreat.
She is survived by her sister, Patricia Fairchild and her husband, Patrick of Portland, Texas; brother Carl “Buddy” Greig and his wife, Mary Carol of Beaumont; son, David Badgett and his wife, Rochelle of Nederland; four daughters and their husbands; Cheryll and Michael Moreau of Bridge City; Linda and Hugh Ledbetter of Houston; Leslie and Ricky Lawson of Cypress; and Tracie and Lance Billeaud of Groves. Shirley is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Todd Carruth, Troy Carruth, Bryan Carruth, Angela Lewis, Shelly Franklin, Chad Thibodeaux, Matt Badgett, Kristin Badgett, Travis Lawson, Cameron Lawson, Marissa McClain, Kasey Deitz, and Ryan Billeaud; along with eighteen great-grandchildren; and one more on the way.
The family would like to thank Harbor Hospice of Beaumont, Texas for ensuring that Shirley had the best care possible and for assisting the family in such a difficult time.
Shirley’s visitation will be on Sunday, March 30, 2014, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Rosary recited at 6:00pm, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Monday, March 31, 2014, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, with concelebrants Reverend Monsignor Dan Malain and Reverend Monsignor Kenneth Greig officiating. She will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, following the services.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2909 West Holcombe Boulevard, Houston Texas 77025-9992, or to Family to Family Network, 13150 FM 529, Suite106, Houston, Texas 77041.
