With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Virginia Allen, a cherished daughter of Lufkin, Texas, who was born on May 16, 1943, and departed this life on March 30, 2026, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas, who we cannot thank enough for their kindness.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel W. Allen, her devoted parents, Edwin and Leairtine Wells, and her brother, Edwin Eugene Wells and his wife, Brenda. Their memories remain enshrined in the hearts of those she treasured.
She is survived by her devoted daughters, Desiree Davis of Port Arthur and Christine Rogers and her husband Bert of Beaumont, and her loving son, Joseph Hernandez of Port Arthur, who stand as living testaments to her enduring love and nurturing spirit. Her Grandchildren are Brandi Osborne and husband Wes, Daniel Sanchez and wife Casey, Adam Sanchez, Austin Cannings and wife Jenna, Terry Mullins and wife Jamie, Lea Moore, Doug Rogers, Laci Rogers, Dylan Hernandez, Lynden Vidalier, Layden Vidalier, Lillie Hernandez, Lyrika Hernandez. Her great-grandchildren are Haiden Robinson, Nick Osborne, Madison Osborne, Chase Laday, Rylee Sanchez, Milo Sanchez, Stephen Mullins, Natalie Davalos, Elijah Rogers, Kaylee Taylor, Zooey Taylor, Naomi Hernandez, Charlie Hernandez, Mackinze McGuire; great-great-grandchildren are Azai and Azleah Robinson. Besides these, there are too numerous “in-laws and out-laws” to mention... If you are a member of the family, you know it!
The community will gather to honor Shirley’s memory with a visitation held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on April 4, 2026, at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, located at 1605 Avenue H, in Nederland, Texas. This will be followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., at the same location, where friends and family will pay their respects and celebrate her life, allowing those who loved Shirley to express their sorrow and affirm their enduring affection for her.
She is affectionately known as “Granny” to all; she was a trailblazer, the original hippie-chick, a beach bum at heart, one who never met a stranger; a former judge and city manager, a fugitive, a dancing queen, a honky-tonk queen, who graduated the top of her class. She loved God and knew her Bible well. She was an adventurer, a gypsy, who had somewhat questionable taste in men lol; she was fiercely loyal, unapologetic, super smart, quick with a retort, had great insight, gave the best advice, was a good listener, an avid reader, and forever searching for the happy-medium and balance in all things. Granny was a force of nature and a miracle of science. Her passage is marked not only by the sorrow of loss but by the indelible imprint she has left through her family and the warmth she shared. Her memory inspires us to reflect on the value of love, commitment, and the grace with which she faced life’s challenges.
May she rest in peace.