Shirley Byrom

Shirley “Mamaw” Byrom, surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20th, 2024. Though the majority of her life was spent in Midland, Texas, she never forgot her South Dakota roots. Shirley loved to visit her South Dakota family members, something she did even in her later years, and always had a story to tell about her upbringing there. Visiting South Dakota meant she would also visit the numerous casinos located there, something she also loved. To know Shirley was to know her love of slot machines. Whether it was in South Dakota, New Mexico, Las Vegas or even a cruise ship, Shirley loved sitting in front of the bright, loud machines hoping for a big win.

While she loved casinos, she loved her family even more. To say she loved her family would be an understatement…they were her entire world, her passion, and her legacy. She never missed a sporting event, a graduation or even a birthday party. We always knew “Mamaw” would be there, rooting for her family. She would often invite the entire family to her house for some of her (family) famous chicken n’ dumplings or chili and cornbread. We loved it as much as she loved making it and having everyone together in one place sharing stories. Mamaw will be missed, and while her absence saddens us, her memory will continue to bring us smiles through the tears forevermore.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, former husband Wayne Helms, Sr., husband Fred Byrom and her son, Wayne Helms, Jr.

Shirley is survived by five brothers, two sisters, her daughter in law, Tonya Helms, two granddaughters and their husbands, Shellie and Cody Crossland and Tasha and Joel Ramos. Shirley also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Celeste Helms, Hailey Chavarria, Hayden Crossland, Xavier Ramirez, Devyn Smith and Kyndall Ramos as well as two great-great grandchildren, Jackson Cabrera and Toni Guerra.

A public visitation for Shirley will be held Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ellis Funeral Home with the Rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Ave, followed by interment at Resthaven Memorial Park. Joel Ramos, Cody Crossland, Xavier Ramirez, Joe Ramirez, Brady Peterson and Greg Thomas will serve as pallbearers.