Shirley was born on February 25, 1944, in the rural town of Bassett, Arkansas, to the late Humbert Gilley and the late Katherine Cox Falcon. She was one of four children born to their union. In her early career, Shirley worked with Southern Bell until she married her sweetheart, Cecil Broussard, and embraced her most cherished role as a mother and homemaker.
Shirley had a deep interest in genealogy and generously volunteered at the Iberia Parish Library, helping others trace their family roots. Another passion of hers was hot air ballooning. For over 22 years, Shirley and Cecil served as crew members, assisting balloon pilots with launches, chases, landings, and pack-ups. They traveled to numerous festivals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with one of her fondest memories being The Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Mexico.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will forever be held close to the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, James Cecil Broussard; her children, Tammy Bonin (L.J.), Tina Viator (Randy), and Michael J. Broussard (Christina); her grandchildren, Sheena DeRouen, Zachery DeRouen, Ashley DeRouen, Jayson Bonin, Kathryn Broussard, and James Broussard; four great-grandchildren; and her sister, Tonda Delahoussaye (Rene’).
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Frank Falcon, Jr.; and her sister and brother, Carolayne Holley and John Holley, III.
Graveside services will be held for Shirley at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Holy Family Mausoleum. Fr. Ed Degeyter will officiate the service.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the Broussard family by visiting Shirley's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia.
