Shirley Mae (Young) Osby

October 1, 1953 - August 23, 2025

Shirley Mae Osby, 71 years old, of Norman, Oklahoma, and formerly of Pampa, Texas, embraced her eternal rest on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Liberal, Kansas. Born October 1, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to Archie Young and Evelyn Thomas Williams, Shirley’s life was a radiant testament to compassion, resilience, and joy.

A proud graduate of Pampa High School, Shirley’s early years were marked by a love of learning and a commitment to service. She dedicated 13 years to the education of young minds, teaching special education at Baker Elementary for eight years before continuing her meaningful work at Pampa High. Her devotion to helping others found a new avenue when she began a distinguished 32-year career with Wal-Mart. In roles spanning Pampa, Liberal, and McKinney, Shirley left a legacy of kindness and professionalism as HR Personnel, impacting countless coworkers with her warmth and understanding.

Shirley was, without question, the heart of every gathering. Her exuberant spirit and genuine affection for people made her beloved by all who met her. She was known for her infectious laughter, her love of singing and dancing, and her remarkable ability to turn any moment into a celebration. Shirley’s kitchen was always open for a slice of her famous cheesecake or banana pudding, and her sweet tooth was matched only by her loyalty to Big Red and Blue Bell ice cream. Ever the fashionista, she expressed her love of style through shopping—her favorite pastime—and her signature color, black.

Above all, Shirley’s greatest pride and deepest love was her family. Her unwavering devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was the cornerstone of her life. She treasured every moment spent surrounded by loved ones and took immense joy in the laughter and milestones of her grandbabies and great-grandbabies. Shirley’s legacy is one of unconditional love, infectious joy, and the wisdom to cherish every day.

Welcoming her into everlasting peace are her parents, Archie Young and Evelyn Thomas Williams; her brothers, Avery Young and Derrick Young; and her beloved daughter, Jacqueline Matthews.

Those privileged to carry her memory forward include her devoted children: Tonya Brown and husband Gary of Carrollton, TX; Terry Osby of Pecos, TX; and Jerry Osby and wife Christie of Norman, OK. She is also survived by her brothers, Wayne Young and wife Annette of Liberal, KS, and Steven Young and wife Nicole of Murphy, TX; sisters, Leslie Carswell of Liberal, KS, Debra Calloway and husband Harry of Houma, LA, and Dorothy Davis of Pleasant Grove, TX; as well as 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and an extended family who cherished her deeply.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Homegoing will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the Winegeart Funeral Home Serenity Chapel, with Pastor Frankie Lemons officiating. Following the memorial, Shirley will be laid to rest with family at a private burial in Fairview Cemetery. Cremation care has been entrusted to Winegeart Funeral Home.

Shirley Mae Osby’s warmth, laughter, and love will echo in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy is one of joy, generosity, and a life well-lived—never wasting a single precious moment.

https://www.winegeartfuneral.com/obituaries/Shirley-Mae-Osby?obId=44527379