Shirley Ann Brown Fontenot, age 80, went to meet her Lord and Savior Saturday, January 14, 2017. She spent her last months in the loving care of her oldest daughter. Shirley was born June 6, 1936 to James Robert and Nancy Mullenax Brown of Keechi, Texas, as their only child. At the age of five the family moved to Port Arthur where her father was employed by Texaco. Shirley graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She married Horace Roland Fontenot, Jr. on January 15, 1954, who preceded her in death shortly after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Shirley and Horace had three daughters. 

 She worked part time at DeQueen Elementary School as a cashier for many years. The children loved “the Ice Cream Lady,” a title which suited her well, as she spent much of her extra income buying treats for those who could not afford them. This was who she was – a lover of children with a heart of generosity, opening her door to all who entered. 

 She genuinely loved all people. Her eternal optimism was founded on her faith and the belief that if you trusted and loved Jesus, he would see you through every obstacle. Faithful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, this was who she was. Her grandchildren will remember her smile, her outstretched arms, a heart where they could do no wrong, along with her jars full of candy bars and a freezer full of popsicles and ice cream. She leaves behind a generational legacy and imprint in the hearts of her 3 daughters and their husbands, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, 2 brothers-in-law and their families, as well as a host of friends. 

 She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Vickie Jo and Rodney Griffith of Conroe, Texas; Kimberley Chris and Robert Foreman of Orange, Texas; Kelli Rene and David Fields of Woodville, Texas; Stuart Bishop of Groves, Texas; Grandchildren Sarah and Leighton Guarnere; Hannah and Darren Bretting; Joshua Griffith; Dustin and Jessica Pietz; Shane and Andrea Pietz; James and Rachel Doak; Anderson Bishop and Nicholas Bishop; Great-Grandchildren Braiden, Camden, and Landen Guarnere; Cody and Caitlyn Bretting; Keegan and Jax Pietz; Shealeigh and Payton Pietz; Ethan, Jachin, and Raelynn Doak; In-laws Jerry and Bettye Fontenot of Groves, Texas; Dale and Kathy Fontenot of Vidor, Texas.

A visitation for family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m., burial will be at 4:30 p.m. at Kecchi Cemetery in Kecchi, Texas.

 The family would like to give a special thanks to Altus Hospice for the excellent care of their mother.

 In honor of her life-long love of furry friends donations may be made to A.S.P.C.A. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).