Shirley Ann Kirk Coover

Shirley Ann Kirk Coover winged her way to Heaven on Sunday, February 13^th at the age of 78 surrounded by family and friends.  She was born May 30, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas, the fourth child of Ray and Adell Hoover Kirk.  She married Keith Coover June 23, 1977.  They enjoyed many happy years together until his death in 2020.  She is survived by her sister, Myra Hale, stepson, Keith Coover (Mindy), sister-in-law Meredith Kirk and niece and nephews: Craig Hale (Shanon), Terri Hale Penman (John), Bertray Kirk (Linda), Charles Kirk (Cyinta) and Richard Kirk (Pam) and Grandsons Reid and Riley Coover, as well as great nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Keith, brothers Kent Kirk and Billy Kirk, sister-in-law Josephine Kirk and brother-in-law J. R. Hale.

Shirley loved her family and was thrilled when they visited.  She had not been able to do much traveling for a number of years and was always excited when family stopped by for a few hours or a few days. She was proud of each one and enjoyed hearing about what was going on in their lives.  

Shirley graduated Beeville High School and received her teaching degree from Texas A & I University Kingsville.  She taught school for many years, most of those years in third grade.  Shirley loved her students and still maintained contact with some of her former students, as well as a number of teacher friends.

Shirley inherited her mother’s “green thumb” and had wonderful plants inside and outside her home.  Her beautiful hibiscus, roses, bougainvillea, and many other plants were the talk of family and friends.  Even in later years when she was limited by health issues, Shirley’s deck was in bloom.  Until health issues prevented, she and Keith had a bountiful garden with plenty of vegetables for them and neighbors as well.

Shirley loved animals.  Their home was always home to a cat or 3 and a dog or 2.  She loved to watch birds and wildlife.  Her birdfeeders were abuzz with birds year-round and the deer made their way through her back yard most evenings, sometimes stopping for a drink from the birdbath.

Shirley had a great mind – quick and sharp.  She remembered things most people would have forgotten and was an avid reader.  Once she discovered the Kindle, a library was always at hand. Shirley was a people person, and everyone felt comfortable around her.  She pulled you in with her interest in you as a person.  She was a great conversationalist.  Many an hour was spent on the deck or at the kitchen table talking with friends and family enjoying a cup of coffee.

Shirley loved the Lord and was a member of Harwood Methodist Church.  She also supported activities at Harwood Baptist Church.

Shirley’s many friends and family are going to miss her dearly.  She was bright and upbeat even while dealing with her health issues.  She had a kind word for everyone and was a wonderful friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harwood Cemetery Association, c/o Julie Fairchild, P. O. Box 70, Harwood, TX 78632. 

Grave-side services will be Saturday, February 19^th, 10:00 a.m. at Harwood Cemetery with Rev. Todd Craven officiating. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, Gonzales.