Shirley Irene Houser

Shirley Irene Houser, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, auntie, and most devoted wife was led into Heaven surrounded by her loving family on June 29, 2021 at the age of 85. A woman of strong faith and devotion to God, she was not only the matriarch of our family, but the guiding light to all lives that she touched.

Shirley was born September 27, 1935 in Natrona Heights to the late William Sr. and Bessie Kendall Brooks.

Mrs. Houser began working in 1968 at Allegheny Valley Hospital, where she retired after 23 ½ years of service. She was a dedicated member of her church, Shiloh Baptist Church of Brackenridge. She loved singing and was a magnificent cook. She treasured family gatherings, especially decorating and preparing food. When she wasn’t singing gospel or spending time as the family’s jewelry repair woman, you could find her in her kitchen preparing her famous homemade spaghetti.

Shirley will be sorely missed and forever loved and remembered for her most giving heart, brave humility, and warm spirit by all who knew her. 

She is survived by her cherished children, Rev. Antoinette E. Perkins, James A. (Teresa) Houser Jr., Cassandra J. Houser with whom she resided, and Herbert D. Houser; grandchildren, Charles W. (Tymeka) Perkins III, Katie A. “Kitty” (Rob) Perkins, James A. Houser III, Timmy (Janelle) Trent, Andrae (Lacey) Trent, Kayla Pryor, Alexis Pryor, Avery Bailey, Eugene Bailey, Tyler Bassett, Tristan Houser, Nichole C. Patrick, Robert (Brittany) Patrick Jr., Latoyia A. Patrick, Heather I. “BFF” Houser, Kristofor D. Houser, Alexis E. (Eugene) Dunn, Alyse J. (Mark) Hart, and Sheth A. Houser; 36 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; sister, Rosetta (Walter) Bush of Pontiac, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, James A. “Pap” Houser Sr.; her son in infancy, William G. Houser; daughter, Katherine B. Houser Patrick; granddaughter, Keyane Houser; great granddaughter, Alivia G. Perkins; sisters, Elizabeth Allen, Betty Duffey, Gloria Johnson, and Odessa Lee Fletcher; and her brothers, Henry, William Jr., Robert Sr. and Paul Brooks.

The family would like to thank Shirley’s daughter and caregiver, Cassandra J. Houser; grandson, Kristofor D. Houser; granddaughter, Tymeka Perkins; granddaughter, Heather I. Houser, especially for the great meals she provided; great-grandson, Robert Chambers III; great-granddaughter, Amanda S. Wheeler aka NuNu; and Good Samaritan Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion.

Viewing will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, July 3, 2021 in the Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 12 PM. Shirley’s daughter, Rev. Antoinette E. Perkins will Co-officiate the service with Rev. Edward Carter Jr. Private interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. Those wishing to view the service via Live Stream may refer to www.rossgwalker.com for more information, or to leave an online condolence.

Ross Walker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Shirley I. Houser Homegoing Service
Time: Jul 3, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 892 2049 7153
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