Shirley Yvonne Ballard graced this earth with her presence on September 6, 1953. She was born in Fort Worth, Texas at Carswell AFB to the late Tommie Sue Patterson-Smith and OC Smith. She departed this life peacefully in her home on 
August 27, 2026.

Shirley graduated at the age of 16 from Whitewright High School and then received her cosmetology license at Sherman Beauty School. She worked as a beautician for several years prior to working as an Administrator and Director of Activities at Whitewright Nursing Home. Following her time at the nursing home, she worked a number of years at Texas New Mexico.

Shirley, not so surprisingly pivoted and began her career in education. She worked at Trenton ISD until her retirement. Even after retirement, she remained involved with Trenton schools as a substitute teacher and in various other roles.

If you know Shirley, it comes as no surprise that she never met a stranger and did not mind telling you that she was everyone’s “Aunt Shirley.”

A smile always seemed to adorn her face...even in the toughest of times her smile would light up the room. If you talked with her for any amount of time, you would undoubtedly know that she loved the Lord and was, above all, a godly woman.
Shirley grew up as a member of Western Beauty CME Church. In later life, she joined First Missionary Baptist Church in Whitewright, Texas where she served as a choir member, Sunday School Teacher, and a devoted member.

Despite being diagnosed with throat cancer, Shirley never let her disease define who she was and would still sing for the Lord any time that she could.

Shirley married Harrold Ray Ballard in March of 1973. They had one child, Jason Ray Ballard on July 3rd of 1974. Jason was the light of Shirley’s life. She took pride in being Jason’s Mother and being a Glam-Ma to Grayson and Madison aka “1 & 2”.

Shirley is survived by her Son Jason Ballard - Wife, Amanda Ballard, Grandchildren Grayson and Madison Ballard, Sister Deborah Wilson, Brother Stanley Smith - Wife Teresa Smith and Sister Anita Kaye Smith-Greenwood, Partner, John Floyd, and too many nieces, nephews and cousins to count. Shirley had a way of expanding her family each and everyday.

She lived her life “out loud” - Guided by her Faith, her Love, her Compassion for others and her Tireless Commitment To Family - She can now rest peacefully knowing that her efforts touched the hearts of everyone that she met.

She is preceded in death by her Mother, Tommie Sue Patterson-Smith, Father, Oscar Smith, and Brother Dwayne Smith.

A public visitation will be Friday, September 4th from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Waldo Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Saturday, September 5th at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Whitewright with Rev. Dave Bradley as Host Pastor.

Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.