Shirley Faye was born on July 30th, 1942 in Dallas, Texas, to Essie D. and John Henry Mathis.
Shirley Faye, as she was affectionately called, grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas. She received
her formal education in the Grand Prairie Independent School District. She was a very
outgoing young lady! While attending Dalworth High School, she became a member of the
Pep Squad of which she enjoyed.
She confessed her life to Christ at an early age and later became a member of St. John Baptist
Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. She started a career at Tuckers Manufacturing Corp. of which
she was employed for thirty-two years until she proudly retired.
Shirley Faye was an amazing and proud mother of four handsome boys – Brent, Rickey, Craig
and Keith. She was her boys' number one fan and loved them more than anything. There was
nothing she wouldn't do for them! Her family was complete, when she met and married her
friend and love, Walter Harden. With her husband and four boys, Shirley Faye was the
matriarch who held her family together and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Shirley Faye was a beautiful, kind, loyal and genuine lady who found joy in the presence of
her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family,
watching her favorite Christian shows, gardening, listening to music and caring for her fur
baby "CoCo". She never met a stranger. Her infectious spirit and warm heart sparked joy in all
whom she met. She fully embraced both the great joys and deep sorrows along her life's
journey counting them all as part of God's perfect plan for her life.
Shirley Faye, a devoted Mother and loving Grandmother, peacefully transitioned to her
heavenly home on March 1st, 2024. She will be reunited in Heaven with her husband, Walter
Harden; sons, Brent Mathis Redwine and Rickey Gean Cunningham; parents, John Henry
Mathis and Essie D. Mathis; siblings, James David Mathis and Ruby Freeman.
Her life, love and legacy will continue to be celebrated and cherished by her sons, Craig
Cunningham and Keith (Carrie) Cunningham; grandchildren, LaKeisha Soders, Nicole Smith,
Kennoric Baylor, Shane Cunningham, Craig Cunningham, Jr., Cannen Cunningham, Tamara
Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham, Devyn Cunningham, Cade Cunningham and Kelcee
Cunningham; sisters, Patricia Washington, Brenda Warner and Linda Wilson; brother, John
Henry Mathis, Jr.; along with a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, other relatives and friends all of whom she loved deeply .
Shirley Faye will be greatly missed by those who knew her. The memories she leaves behind
will be a lasting treasure for generations to come. Her spirit will live in our hearts forever.