Shirley Joe Bynum

She leaves behind sons: Michael Bynum (Terri) and Mitchell Bynum (Yvette). Grandchildren are Marina, Alec, Kincade, Logan, and Mei Bynum, and Kimberly Fellinger (Eric), along with great-grandson Jackson Fellinger. Also surviving are her sister Barbara Ann Brown Odom (Virgil), niece Kimberly Smith. She is also survived by the father of her children, William Bynum (Jane).

Preceding Shirley in passing were her mother Beulah Mozelle Dale Brown, her stepdad Charles Haskell Brown, and her father Fireman 1/C Warren Wilford Brown. Warren died in the Pacific War while serving in the US Navy during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Shirley gave birth to Michael while completing her education degree in 3 1/2 years at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Shirley inspired students throughout her teaching career in Michigan, Texas, California, and back in Texas, before her retirement. She enjoyed singing with the Mission Belles in San Antonio, serving a term as President.

Shirley's zest for life is evidenced by her decision after retirement to live for a period of time on a sailboat in Long Beach Harbor, California. After that experience she lived in Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico. This adventuresome lifestyle was cut short by a severe stroke while living in Panama.

We will miss her vibrant, strong willed personality. Goodbye, Shirley Joe Brown Bynum; may you rest in peace.