Doyle Adams presents Shirley Gordon with the Citizen of the Year Award at the Sweetheart Banquet.

Shirley Gordon never expected to be introduced as “Citizen of the Year” when she graciously agreed to help out at the Sweetheart Banquet by taking tickets at the door. She was just doing her part to help the church (First Baptist of Port O’Connor) with their annual Valentine gift to the community. “I still can’t imagine why they would honor me,” she said when interviewed for this article.

But the Citizen of the Year Committee could see why, as stated on the plaque she received:

“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…”

A native of Houston, Shirley graduated from San Jacinto Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree and Early Childhood Education. After graduating, she worked as a teacher at a private school and day care. When her father died in 1982, her mother and step-father (June and Virgil Green) asked her to relocate to Port O’Connor, where they had been living since 1979.

After arriving in Port O’Connor, Shirley worked at whatever jobs were available: babysitting, cleaning, and working the cash register at The Fishing Center, until securing a position at a Port Lavaca day care. She was later able to work in Port O’Connor at Belinda Tigrett’s day care facility.

Shirley’s mother was a member of the Port O’Connor Service Club, and was instrumental, along with Beth Coats and the rest of the Club, in establishing a library in Port O’Connor in 1986. After running the Library for three years, the Club turned it over to Calhoun County. In January of 1989, Shirley became the Librarian.

Being in charge of a library involves a lot of work and Shirley is quick to credit two volunteer helpers, Sue Kubecka and Deb Sosu, for their assistance. “I couldn’t do it without them,” she said. When asked what she enjoys most about being Librarian, she replied, “Helping people and meeting people. Besides our locals, people from all over the country and from Europe and Canada have visited our library.”

After Shirley’s parents passed away, she continued to live in their small home, which had been damaged by fire. Never having the funds to properly repair it, the house began to deteriorate. Certain members of the Port O’Connor community took notice of Shirley’s difficult circumstances, and before long, many local folks were at work tearing down the old house and rebuilding a small, modern, air-conditioned home for Shirley. “I cannot even express how much I appreciate what everyone has done for me,” Shirley said, humbly.

Shirley has been a member of the Port O’Connor Service Club since 1982 and currently serves as Membership Chairman. She enjoys participating in their community service projects. A favorite place for Shirley to socialize is the monthly “Bunco” game. A regular attendee at First Baptist Church, Shirley feels very honored for the recognition they have given her. “I really appreciate them thinking of me with this award. It was a shock!”