Ms. Shirley Ann Sawyer

Ms. Shirley Ann Sawyer, age 68, born August 20, 1957, in Shreveport, Louisiana, passed on July 23, 2026, and was a resident of Cypress, Texas. Shirley Ann Sawyer entered into eternal rest on July 23, 2026.

Shirley was born on August 20, 1957 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Katie Mae Latson (Hines) and George Foy. She was very close to her grandfather, Evans Latson, with whom she lived and lovingly called “Daddy”. She was married to Joseph Sawyer, III.

As the eldest of seven children, she served as a mother figure to her siblings. The responsibilities she took in rearing her sisters and brothers gave her the guiding principles for nurturing her own daughters and grandchildren.

A woman of deep faith, she was baptized at Faltine Baptist Church in Gloster, Louisiana. She was a dedicated member of Yale Street Baptist Church, The Church Without Walls, and Lilly Grove Baptist Church, all in Houston, Texas.

She was a loving mother. She celebrated with her daughters every chance she could. From birthdays and athletic events to school performances and award ceremonies; Shirley was front and center, dressed to the nine and smiling ear to ear.

Shirley was an amazing grandmother. There were three things that you could always find at her house: a warm hug, a hot meal, and a pantry full of snacks.

Shirley was proud of her rich Louisiana culture and roots. She introduced her family to Zydeco, trail rides, gumbo, and sweet potato pies. She had an extensive shoe and hat collection and loved all things leopard. Her past time was photography, and she circulated her pictures amongst family and friends. Her nightly ritual was watching her favorite TV shows while enjoying a root beer float.

Shirley built a distinguished career in the field of law. She always stood out as a top performer with sharp intellect and determination. For more than thirty-five years, she served as a Legal Assistant and Discovery Paralegal, supported by her studies at Control Data Institute and Houston Community College. Her career began in corporate America at Amerada Hess Corp. After her time there, she found her passion in the legal arena. She was employed by several prominent law firms including Powers & Frost, L.L.P., Armbrust & Brown, and Holtzman & Urquhart, LLP.

She is survived by her children, Katyna Sampson, Carla Young (Rodney), and Latrice Simpson. Grandchildren, Khristopher Jones, Shira Patton, Victoria Simpson, Kaleb Sampson, Jordan Patton, and Alexandria Young. Siblings, Bobby Latson (Christine), Kathy Hines, Dorothy Douglas, Darlene Powell (Maukeba), Larry Hines (Tonya), and her first husband-cherished friend, Carl Simpson. Her love also lives on in the countless lives she touched, including a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. She will be deeply missed, forever honored, and always remembered.

She was proceeded in death by her father, George Foy, mother, Katie Mae Hines, grandfather, Evans Hines, and sister, Beverly Ann Hatchett.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, US, on August 15, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

A Reception will follow at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, US, on August 15, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers you can donate to http://www.alz.org in the name of Ms. Shirley Ann Sawyer. The family is asking everyone to wear black with leopard accent.