She was born in Dallas, Texas on August 3, 1947. Miss Shirley, as she was known, graduated in the class of 1965 from Woodrow Wilson High School. On June 8, 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, John Payne. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary this past June.
Miss Shirley was passionate about baton twirling, dance and pageantry. She grew up competing in baton twirling and in the Miss America pageant system. She was even a feature twirler while in college. After college, she was blessed to work in these fields for over 50 years. Miss Shirley directed the Dallas Dolls, which later became Texas Touch of Class baton and pom pom teams. She led her students to numerous state, regional and national titles. She also directed an annual twirling competition, as well as the Southwest Regional and Texas State Twirling Championships. She was a certified baton twirling judge and traveled the country judging competitions. In pageantry she had been the director of the Miss Dallas USA pageant and U.S. Runway Miss and Teen pageant.
Miss Shirley had an impeccable work ethic and desire to help others. She loved to see people around her grow and excel. She was also very giving of her time as a volunteer at her daughters’ schools and with local charities.
When you think of Miss Shirley, you think of pink, sparkles and the perfect hair poof.
She was preceded in death by her father, Woodrow Wilson Allison; mother, Velma Elsie Kohn Allison; and loving cousin, Bill Cody Gilbert, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, John William Payne; daughter, Allison Renee Cansler of Cibolo, Texas; daughter, Sheila Payne Rigelsky of Dallas, Texas; son-in-laws Harold James Cansler and James Joseph Rigelsky; grandchildren Raegan Renee Cansler, Braden James Cansler, Jaxx Gavito Rigelsky and Seanna Kohn Rigelsky.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, coach, mentor and philanthropist who will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a cause that was dear to her heart, the American Lung Association at https://action.lung.org.
A visitation will take place Monday, December 13 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home,
7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas from 5 until 7 PM.
A service will be held on Tuesday, December 14 at 10:30 AM at Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church,6445 E. Lovers Lane, Dallas. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Payne family.
