Shirley H. Gordon, 73, of Port O’Connor, passed away Saturday, January 23rd, 2021. She was born in 1947 in Houston, Texas to Richard B.Gordon and June Green and was the youngest of three children.

Shirley grew up in Houston and graduated from San Jacinto Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, she worked as a teacher at a private school and daycare. When her father passed away in 1982, she moved to Port O’Connor, Texas to be closer to her mother and made it her home. She was a hard worker who took pride in taking care of others. She was often babysitting, cleaning, and working the cash register at The Fishing Center until securing a position at a Port Lavaca Gingerbread daycare facility.

Shirley’s mother was a member of the Port O’Connor Service Club and was instrumental in establishing a library for Port O’Connor. In January of 1989, Shirley became the inaugural Librarian for the Port O’Connor Branch Library of the Calhoun County Library System.  She worked there for nearly thirty years, retiring after exceptional service in 2018. She knew her books and her patrons well and will be deeply missed by all.
Shirley loved being a part of her close knit community and earned “Citizen of the Year” in 2012. Her plaque was engraved with “For your dedication and love for the people of Port O’Connor through your service as our Librarian for the Port O’Connor Public Library for 23 years; for your work with Port O’Connor children in supporting the Summer Reading Program, developing children’s knowledge through promotion of book reading; supporting the Port O’Connor News by distribution of the Dolphin Talk; for many hours of volunteer work in Port O’Connor…”

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; Richard B. Gordon and June Green and her brother, Richard “Ricky” B. Gordon Jr.

She is survived by her loving sister, Gay Lynn Gordon, of Houston, and her close cousin, Ann Whiting, of San Antonio. A graveside service was held on Friday, January 29th, at the Port O’Connor Cemetery. The service was officiated by Pastor Phillip Miller and Judge Nancy Pomykal. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 732, Port O’Connor, Texas, 77982 or directly to the Port O’Connor Library Branch, PO Box 424, Port O’Connor, Texas, 77982.