Shirley Calvert Laughlin

Shirley Anne Calvert Laughlin of Grapevine, Texas, peacefully went to heaven on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, after a brief fight with colon cancer. Her family never left her side during her final days and was blessed by her presence until the final moment.
Shirley was born on April 27, 1928, to Cleve and Bertha Canipe in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in Dallas and graduated from Crozier Tech High School in 1945. She soon met a handsome young serviceman, James Calvert, and after a short engagement, they married on January 12, 1946. They settled in Garland and had two children, Jimmy (1948) and Janis (1949). In 1957 they relocated to Irving and soon had a third child Paul (1958) and then Mary Beth (1962). They raised their family in Irving, and Shirley lived there for five decades, even after James’ passing on October 4, 1997.
Shirley joined MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church soon after moving to Irving and was an active member until her passing. For decades she was a member of the church choir, serving as the secretary. She also taught Sunday School for all of her adult life and was leading and teaching the Joy Class at MBBC when she passed.
Shirley had a long career as a professional administrative assistant. Most notably, she worked for Anderson Industries, Inc. as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the president, Tom Anderson, from its formation until her retirement, totaling more than 30 years. She also served as the Corporate Secretary, an officer of the corporation. Shirley was gifted with the skills to run an office that ranged from balancing the books to taking dictation in shorthand to changing the toner in the Xerox machine.
Shirley beautifully balanced having a professional career with being the consummate wife and mother. She effortlessly put a meal on the table for large family groups and was a delicious cook. She enjoyed being a sports fan, especially of the Dallas Cowboys. She enjoyed playing card games and was part of a bridge club for decades. Above all, Shirley loved God’s word and spent countless hours studying, preparing, and teaching the Bible until the very end. She had recently been part of starting and leading a neighborhood Bible study for the ladies on her street just months before her passing.
The pride and joy of Shirley’s life was her family. Shirley and James’ family of six has now grown to a clan of more than 50 who all adore her and were deeply influenced by her life and witness. Granny, as she was known by family and their friends, made it a priority to attend and be a part of all family occasions including birthdays, graduations, weddings, baptisms, dance recitals, sports competitions, and more. The grief and loss they feel is only exceeded by the joy in knowing that she is in heaven at the feet of Jesus with loved ones who went before her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her mother Lela Bertha O’Donnell Canipe, her father Grover Cleveland Canipe, her husband James Ritchie Calvert, Sr., her second husband Jack Laughlin, her daughter Janis Anne Calvert Eubanks, her great grandson Reagan Christopher Renshaw, and special friend and sister-in-law Jean Elizabeth Calvert Teutsch.
Shirley is survived by her son James (Jim) Ritchie Calvert, Jr. and wife Sue of Colleyville, her son-in-law John T. Eubanks of Colleyville, Paul Alan Calvert and wife Janice of North Richland Hills, and daughter Mary Beth Calvert Humphrey and husband Stephen of Grapevine.
She is also survived by grandchildren: Melissa Calvert Meriwether (husband Walter), Michael Calvert (wife Meredith), Chris Renshaw (wife Lena), Lisa Eubanks Roberts (husband Jeremy), John David Eubanks (wife Jackie), Megan Eubanks Featherston, Tara Eubanks Griffith (husband Steve), Bryan Calvert (wife Becca), Emily Calvert Pacheco (husband Justin), Libby Anne Calvert McKinney (husband Brad), Morgan Calvert Laney (husband Chris), Hunter Humphrey, Cody Humphrey (wife Kenady), and Samantha Humphrey.
Great Grandchildren include: William, Wynn, Lily, Claire, Blythe, Parker, Sophie, Tessa, Campbell, Luke, Kate, J.D., Hallie, Brady, Jordan, Nathan, Carson, Harper, Brayden, Bryce, Avery, Cal, Eli, and Brooks.
Shirley is also survived by nieces, nephews, and a myriad of friends too numerous to list.
The visitation is Sunday, October 9, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home in Grapevine (700 W. Wall Street). The funeral service will be Monday, October 10, at 1:00 p.m. at MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church (8001 Mustang Dr., Irving), followed by the burial at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens (1413 E. Irving Blvd., Irving).
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the capital fund at MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church.