Shirley Maddox Ezelle

Friends and family, we gather here today with hearts both heavy and full.

Shirley was born on March 29, 1950, and from that day forward, she lived with a spirit that could fill any room. To say she was a lover and a fighter is not just a phrase; it was her blueprint. She loved fiercely, and she fought for that love—for her family, for her joy, for her life—right until the very end.

Her greatest testament sits here today: her seven children. Tara, Denver, BeJay, David, Hope, Ethan, and Coushatta. She carried you, raised you, argued with you, and challenged you with a force only a mother of seven could muster. And though her heart always carried the ache of her son, Jamie, who preceded her in death, we trust that ache is now healed in their reunion. She is also welcomed now by her mothers, Norma and Ann, her sister Darlene, and her grandson, Ryan and great-grand son Brantley

At the center of her world for so many years was the love of her life, Rodney. Their bond was the steady drumbeat behind the beautiful, chaotic symphony of their family.

Now, if you knew Shirley, you knew two things for certain. First, the woman was bossy. And we say that with the utmost admiration and a smile. She was the CEO, the general, the undisputed captain of this ship. She had an opinion on everything, from how to make the gravy to how you should live your life, and she was never shy about sharing it. We didn’t always listen, but we always knew it came from a place of deep, invested care. She steered this family with tough love, even when it came with a side of orders.

The second thing you knew? Shirley knew how to have Her happy place was often in front of her computer playing cards, or trying her luck at the casino living for the thrill of the game. The click of that button and the glow of that screen were the sounds of Shirley in her zone, enjoying her own brand of peace and excitement.

Her love extended like branches to her grandchildren—Ciera, Cody, Derek, TJ, Breanna, Lane, Shyanna, Kyleigh, Blake, Bruce, Kayla, Summer and Autumn and blossomed into a beautiful garden of great-grandchildren. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she loved each of you in her own unique, “Shirley” way.

And that’s the thing about our mom, our grandma, our friend. She loved us all in her own special way. It wasn’t always with soft words—sometimes it was with a pointed comment, a stubborn stance, or a roll of her eyes followed by a laugh. But it was always, always real. It was always hers. And we loved her in our own ways too—with patience, with laughter, with eye-rolls of our own, and with unwavering loyalty.

Shirley’s life wasn’t always easy, but it was immensely lived. She was a force of nature—stubborn, joyful, protective, and full of spirit. She has left an indelible mark on every single person here.

So, as we say goodbye, we won’t just remember the fighter. We won’t just remember the boss. We’ll remember the lover. We’ll remember the woman who built this enormous, messy, wonderful family with her own two hands and a heart that never quit.

A celebration of life service will be held at Lighthouse Pentecostal church, 11206 Arnold Road, Denham Springs, on Saturday, May 23rd, at 10:00 a.m.

Please join the family at Ms. Tara's home immediately following the service for a meal and to continue in the celebration.