Shirley Joan Brenek

Shirley Joan Brenek, 70, of Doole, TX passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on the night of September 3, 2024. Known to countless people as “Mama Shirley” or “The Hug Lady” she had a one-of-a-kind personality and an immense love for her family, friends and really anyone she met. Many people will say if you’ve ever met her just once, you’ll never forget her.

Shirley was born on August 6, 1954 in San Angelo to Edmond and Agnes Milian Michalik. She attended Central High School, and after graduating worked at K-Mart and several years at Ethicon. She met the love of her life, Lynn Brenek, through the Wall Brethren Church, and the two were soon married on February 2, 1980. Lynn and Shirley moved to Doole, Texas where he farmed, and she lived the rest of her life as a loving wife, neighbor, and mother.

The Doole community grew to know her for her overabundant garden, and her trademark caring ways. She always checked on the neighbors, and would go so far as to buy and deliver groceries for the elderly neighbors when she “went to town”. She also took care of the Doole Community Center and fire department for many years.

As her sons attended Paint Rock school, she quickly became involved in helping in any way she could at the school. She grew to be known as the class mom by many, even by those who weren’t in the same grades as her kids. She would always volunteer for helping with special school projects, and went the extra mile to always do the best job she could with whatever she was helping with.

Shirley’s soul was one of service. She found her purpose in caring for others, whether it be through the Doole community, Paint Rock school, or close family members. But the one thing she loved and was more proud of than anything else was her husband and family. She spent much time with, and held found memories of, the times spent with her cousins as they grew up. And was the proudest mom and “Granny” you would ever meet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Jimmie Brenek, and brother-in-law Larry Brenek. Shirley is survived by her husband Lynn, son Kevin and wife Kristen of San Angelo, son Cody of San Angelo, granddaughters Addison and Emma, brother Ronnie and wife Diana Michalik of San Angelo, brother Kenneth and wife Janie Michalik of San Angelo, sister-in-law Dorothy Brenek of Wall, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Lawrence Blackburn, Juston Dankworth, Allen Brenek, Bryan Black, Gary Drgac, and Darrell Milian. Family visitation will be Sunday, September 8 from 3 to 5 pm at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, and services will be Monday, September 9 at 11 am at the Wall Brethren Church, with Revs. Robbie Price and Tommy Tallas officiating. Flowers may be sent if desired, and memorials can be sent to the Wall Brethren Church or Doole Community Center.