Shirley Mae Goodney

Shirley Mae Goodney, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026. She was born on December 27, 1940, in Navasota, Texas, and spent her life devoted to her family, her faith, and caring for those around her. Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Goodney; her son, James “Jamie” Goodney; her parents, Othal and Irene Vanhowten; her in-laws, Stash and Mary Goodney; her siblings, Faye, Dollie, James, Donald, Larry, Peggy, George, Mary, Robert, and Poodle; her brother and sister-in-law, Kye and Dorthy Goodney; her brother-in-law, Phillip “Nunnie” Goodney; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sharon Grogan and Darlene Lyles, husband Micheal Lyles; her cherished grandchildren, Cody Reynolds, spouse Jess Morgan. Jayme Dozier, spouse Chelsie Stokes, and Karleigh Mercer, husband Dacota Mercer; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Scylar, Alyana, Anuhua, Ashlynn, Emily, Landyn, Kinlynn, and Kallen. She is also survived by her good friends Pat and Butch, Elizabeth and Willie, Ruby and Thomas, and James and Betty. Shirley married the love of her life, James Goodney, on May 11, 1957, and together they shared more than 50 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family. To know Shirley was truly to love her. She had the kindest heart and never met a stranger. She spent her life taking care of others, always putting the needs of family and friends before her own, and she did it all with grace and without complaint. Shirley always wore a smile on her face and made everyone around her feel loved and welcomed.

She enjoyed gardening, canning, spending time with her family, and taking the occasional casino trip with her dear best friend, Pat Novark. Shirley was born in Houston, Texas, later moved to Magnolia, Texas, and eventually settled in Willis, Texas after marrying James. She dedicated over 25 years of service to Willis ISD, where she touched the lives of many students and coworkers through her kindness and caring spirit. Shirley was a devoted believer in Christ and faithfully attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Waverly, Texas. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the compassion and love she showed to everyone she met. Serving as pallbearers are William Vanhowten, Johnny Petry, Jayme Dozier, Cody Reynolds, Dacota Mercer and Micheal Lyles . Honorary pallbearers will be Stan Gilstrap.l and Steven O’Neal Visitation with family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Sam Houston Funeral Home in Willis, Texas from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a Catholic Rosary from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sam Houston Funeral Home in Willis, Texas, with burial to follow at Shepard Hill Cemetery. The family then invites everyone to join them for lunch at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Auxiliary Hall in New Waverly, Texas. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Shirley’s legacy of love, kindness, faith, and compassion will live on through all those blessed enough to know her.