Dr. Cynthia Renee Shirley, of Montgomery, Texas, was born on
September 3, 1965 in Houston, Texas, and left her earthly home for her heavenly
one, on July 25, 2019.
Cindy received her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from
Texas A&M University in College Station, class of 1987, and her Doctorate
in Reproductive Biology from the University of Texas Graduate School of
Biomedical Science. Dr. Shirley worked with the Mutant Mouse Resource and
Research Center at the University of California Davis in 2005-2006, helping
improve the repository archiving techniques and record keeping systems.
Cindy was a true patriot, dedicating her time to Veteran’s
organizations, including her beloved Blue Ghost Beauties, a women’s auxiliary
branch of the Blue Ghost Air Cavalry, the unit to which her husband belonged
during the Vietnam War. She loved America fiercely, and never missed an
opportunity to discuss politics, world events, or to cast votes in elections.
As a woman of faith, Cindy believed in the power of God’s love, grace, and
forgiveness, and knew him to be her savior. She was exceedingly loyal in prayer
and presence to those she held dear. Throughout her life, Cindy enjoyed the
study of science, scuba diving, hiking, traveling, the serenity of a beautiful
beach, and most recently, the comfort she found in the predictable happy
endings of the movies she watched on her favorite tv station, the Hallmark
Channel. Her most fulfilling hobby was found in animal advocacy, as she began
fostering dogs through Operation Pets Alive, a Montgomery County based group
whose purpose is to find forever homes for stray or unwanted dogs and cats. Her
involvement in the animal foster program brought her great joy, and her heart
for these animals was evident to all who knew her.
Cynthia Renee Shirley was preceded in death by her parents,
Peter and Reba Christian, of Houston Texas. She is survived by her one true
love, Dwane “DD” Shirley, and one brother, Peter “Tony” Christian. She has two
sons, Robert Shirley and his wife Sandra, and John Shirley and his wife Kendra,
four grandchildren, Michael Shirley, Rowan Shirley, Brandon Shirley, and his
wife Jessikah, and Connor Palomo, three great grandchildren, Triton Shirley,
Aria Shirley and Savanna Shirley. Cindy is survived by numerous friends and
loved ones, including her Godparents Clifton and Deanna Wedgman, and her
beloved Goddaughter, Andie Nicole Terry.
A Celebration of Cindy’s Life will occur on Saturday, August 3, at the
Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 2655 FM-1488 – Conroe, Texas, at 2pm with
the Celebration of Life message at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, Cynthia’s family
requests donations be made in her name to Operation Pets Alive. (www.operationpetsalive.org) http://www.kleinfh.com/m/?p=memorial&id=2174925