Shirley Ann Roccaforte, age 67, died at her home in Bridge City, Texas on Monday, December 14, 2015. Her death was sudden and unexpected, with cause yet to be determined.
Shirley was born December 15, 1947 to Paul and Betty Jo Potter in Phoenix, Arizona, where she also graduated from high school. Soon thereafter, she moved to Texas with the marriage of her first husband, Harry Land. Later, Shirley became the proud wife of current Bridge City Mayor, Kirk Roccaforte. Kirk and Shirley enjoyed and lived life together for 37 rewarding years.
Shirley will be especially remembered for her quick wit, spunk and "way with words" that brought life to all her conversations. She was known for playing pranks, as well as creating comedy out of any dull situation. Shirley enjoyed offering the gift of laughter to anyone willing to entertain her whimsical banter.
Besides being a wife to Kirk, Shirley's greatest joy was being "Granny" to her three grandsons. There was never a doubt how much Shirley cherished those three boys.
Shirley will be missed in tremendous measures by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her husband, Kirk Roccaforte; her mother, Betty Jo Potter; her son, Aaron Roccaforte and his wife, Chrisleigh Ulery Roccaforte; her daughter, Cristal Land DuBois and her husband, Dwayne (Beaver) DuBois; her brother Paul Monroe Potter, Jr and his wife, Polly; as well as her three grandchildren, Camden DuBois, Caleb DuBois and Trent Roccaforte. Shirley is also survived by a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, including Mark and Vickey Roccaforte, Donald and Val Roccaforte, Danny and Denise Roccaforte, Chuck Roccaforte, and Johnnie Denena & Julie Roccaforte, as well as a loving mother-in-law, Marilyn Roccaforte and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by a daughter, Robin Lynn Land and her father, Paul Potter, Sr.
Visitation will be held at Winfree Baptist Church on Friday, December 18, 2015 from 12pm - 2pm immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 2pm. Burial and graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery following the Memorial.
Because of Shirley's devoted and affectionate love for animals, donations are being accepted, in lieu of flowers, for PAWS Pet Rescue and can be dropped off or mailed to Dr. Albert Pugh, 2832 Texas Avenue, Bridge City, TX 77611.
Services are under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Condolences
Shirley Decuir
December 18, 2015
Shirley DeCuir lit a candle in memory of Shirley Roccaforte
Claybar Funeral Home
December 17, 2015
56 files added to the album LifeTributes
Kimberly
December 16, 2015
I'm sorry for the loss of Shirley. There will never be another person like her. The first time I ever met and spoke to her i thought oh my!!! But i found out in no time this Lady was a kind caring person. She sure knew how to make a person laugh. She will be missed. Kim Harvill
Georgie Stewart
December 16, 2015
Georgie Stewart lit a candle in memory of Shirley Roccaforte
Georgie Stewart
December 16, 2015
When I became single later in my life I was always fearful of being taken advantage of when I needed a public service performed such as electrical work, handy-man jobs and especially auto repair work. I always felt they saw a woman coming and automatically added extra charges. My good friend suggested taking my vehicle to Bridge City Radiator and asking for a woman named Shirley. So, the first time I needed car repairs off I went and asked for Shirley and got the best surprise. Shirley was bodacious, gregarious and so full of life that she could take your breath away. I instantly liked her and from that day forward if mine or my sons vehicles needed repairs I took them to Shirley. Shirley always made me laugh and feel better whenever I was around her. The world will be just a little bit less for the loss of such a wonderful woman. God be with you Shirley and keep'm laughing in heaven!!
Lisa Haynes
December 16, 2015
Well, I had the time of my life knowing Shirley. I met her when I was just ten years old and she was fresh from Arizona. I remember her calling home to her parents, saying "where am I. I have never seen so much water in my life" LOL She always made me laugh. Though its been years since we got to visit, it feels just like yesterday seeing her. All the love sent to Kirk, Cristal and Aaron. Prayers for you Lisa Parkhurst Haynes and my girls, Faith, Taryn and Katie
Anita Lake
December 16, 2015
Wow, I have known Kirk and Shirley forever. Shirley has been a rock! What you saw, was EXACTLY what she was. Beautiful both inside and out, funny as HELL and never at a loss for words. If you ever left their home or business and your cheeks weren't hurting from laughing so much, there would be something wrong with you! One thing about Shirley was that not only could she "dish it out"....... she "could take it", and basically dare you to one up her! I cannot fathom the pain and loss the whole family and community is feeling with losing Shirley. I know that right now I can think of so many, many funny things she has said and done, and can't help but smile. I pray that all of her family will find the day that the sorrow is replaced with nothing but smiles!Shirley will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace ........ (those that truly know her knows which word goes here, out of respect, I left it blank)Love and Prayers,Anita & Ron Lake
Karen Fritz
December 16, 2015
I cannot see a full moon without thinking of Shirley! She always said that when the crazies come out and everything is a mess! Loved cutting up with her over these past 10 years. She will be greatly missed.
Wilbur And Silvia Benoit
December 16, 2015
Wilbur And Silvia Benoit lit a candle in memory of Shirley Roccaforte
Larry Rasberry
December 15, 2015
So shocked to hear this. I considered Shirley a good friend, always enjoyed visiting and talking with her when I was Animal Control Officer in Bridge City. She was always willing to listen and always smiling...there was never a dull moment when Shirley was around. I have great memories of her. Praying for you Kirk and the family, may God give you comfort. R.I.P. my friend, until we meet again...you will be missed by many.
Jana Lemoine
December 15, 2015
I can remember going to the shop with my Daddy(Louis Lemoine), and my father always had a joke for her. She would just crack up laughing until she would cry! But she would ALWAYS come back with one even more. She ALWAYS ALWAYS, had a Smile of GREAT cheer to those who came into the shop. One more thing she didn't take crap from anybody( female or male). When we would leave, she would ALWAYS say something and my father would just shake his head and I would leave just a SMILING! She will be greatly MISSED! PRAYING for Kirk and the whole family. GOD BLESS Y'ALL!
Karen Wells
December 15, 2015
Karen Wells lit a candle in memory of Shirley Roccaforte