Shirley Jean Simien

To Those I Love & Those Who Love Me

Reflection of Life -

Shirley Jean Nichols Simien was born on July 2, 1942, in East Gate, Texas, to Mary Myrtle Fretty and Nelson Nichols, both of whom preceded her in death. She was the ninth of thirteen children and grew up surrounded by the love and strength of family. Shirley attended Carver High School and Charles R. Drew, later earning a certification in keyboarding from Lee College.

Baptized at an early age, Shirley was a devout Catholic whose life reflected her deep love for the Lord. She was a faithful member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and served with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. She was also active with the senior citizens group at the Riley Chambers Community Center.

On April 29, 1960, Shirley was united in matrimony to Clovis Simien Jr., and together they were blessed with three daughters: Sonia, Tamrilyn, and Michelle. Shirley found great joy in her family, her faith, and in dancing earning her the affectionate title of “Zydeco Queen” for her lively spirit and love of music.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Sonia Yvette Simien, Tamrilyn Renette Simien, and Michelle Delynne Simien-Blake (Johnas Blake deceased); her grandchildren, Nicholas RaShaun Simien, Alanda ReShelle Scott, Ashley Nichole Simien-Wiltz (Gregory Wiltz), Chasmin Nikolai Simien, Fallyn Nikkel Simien-Johnson (Andrew Johnson), and Alasia Mikel Simien-Blake; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Amaya Michele Scott, Cleveland Dereon Archie, Jovan Elliott McCullough Jr., Giselle Simone Wiltz, Alix Skylar Malveaux, Caine Demond Wiltz, Kobe RaShaun Simien, Khaleesi Rose Wiltz, and Asaila Mielle Daji Metoyer.

Shirley will be remembered for her generous heart, strong faith, joyful spirit, and deep love for her family. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved her.