Shirley R. Stedman

Shirley R. Stedman, of Brazoria, Texas went to be with her heavenly father on July 8, 2016 at Sweeny Community Hospital at the age of 80.

Shirley was born on Jan. 20, 1936, in Wichita, Kan. She moved to Houston, Texas, as an infant. She was raised in Houston and attended business school after graduating from Spring Branch High School. She married the love of her life on June

15, 1956. Her parents owned and operated a Bridal Shop business, which is where Shirley learned at an early age the art of a seamstress from her mother. She spent many days in her life making clothing for her family and friends. Clothes included wedding dresses, formal gowns, shirts, blouses and she also made draperies, table clothes and did this all in her spare time.

She worked for Brazosport Memorial Hospital as an administrative assistant for 43 years before retiring in 2008. Shirley’s other love was music. She was blessed with an ear for music. She played the piano and organ for the local church she attended. She also played the violin, saxophone, accordion as well as the marimba. She began building miniature dollhouses in the late 90s and some of her creations were displayed at several special events as well as published in several magazines. Some of her dollhouses are still on display at her home.

Her parents Nick and Jennie Mae Roccaforte, of Houston, preceded her in death.

Survivors are her husband of 60 years, Charles N. Stedman, of Brazoria; son, Kevin R. Stedman and wife, Brenda, of Brazoria; daughter, Kim Lay and husband, Warren, of Lockhart, Texas; four grandchildren: Kasey Stedman, Bradley Stedman, Jennie Lay and Sara Lay; brother, Charles Roccaforte and wife, Pat, of Wimberley, Texas; nephew, Cary Roccaforte and wife, Renee, of College Station, Texas; and niece, Cathy Roccaforte, of Gulf Shores, Ala., and other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Sunday, July 10, 2016, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Dixon Funeral Home in Brazoria, Texas.

Funeral Service was Monday, July 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Brazoria with Pastors Greg Smith and Mike Mills officiating. Burial followed at Brazoria Cemetery in Brazoria, Texas. Pallbearers were Walter Trappe, Kasey Stedman, Bradley Stedman, Jerry Wolford, Robert Walden and Albert Kelley, all of Brazoria. Honorary Pallbearers were Cecil Stedman, Jack Rueffer, Aaron Watson, Austin Watson, Cary Roccaforte, Ronnie Inman and Barney Clary.

In her memory, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Brazoria or a charity of choice.

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria at (979) 798-9113.