June 12, 1933 — March 27, 2026

Shirley Mae Elms, of Canton passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Grapevine at the age of 92. Shirley was born in Waurika, Oklahoma to the late Grover Brantley and Blanche Brantley.

Shirley was raised in Irving but spent many summers with her beloved Aunt Jewel and Uncle Pete in Oklahoma.

Shirley met Tommy Elms while attending Irving High School together. After graduating, Tommy joined the Navy and shortly after that, Shirley and Tommy eloped and were married on November 10, 1952.

They spent most of their lives together in Southlake eventually retiring to Canton where they made their final home.

Shirley was gifted at so many things. She worked as an accountant, did custom sewing for the public, owned her own fabric shop ‘Shirley’s Shoppe,’ was a quilter and seamstress. She crocheted and enjoyed needlework.

She was also a gardener and raised chickens. She dearly loved and delighted in her family, and each has a quilted treasure from our ‘Mom’ or ‘Nanny.’

She also was a patriot like her husband, Tommy. She was a wonderful neighbor and dear friend.

Shirley’s deep faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus, shined through all that she did. Near the end of her life, she was asked by the Hospice Chaplain if she knew Jesus. Mom responded, “I know Jesus and He knows me.”

To cherish her memory, Shirley leaves behind her children, Vicki Jean Newburn and her husband, Steve, of Southlake; Thomas (Andy) Andrew Elms and his wife, Sandy, of Kountze; Rebecca Ann Girouard of Grand Prairie; Laurie Beth Steward of Canton; and Timothy Joseph Elms and his wife, Marsha, of Coppell; Grandchildren: Christine, Matt, Michael, Sara, Thomas, Josh, Kadie, Ryan, and Kyle; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Tommy N. Elms, Jr.; her parents, Grover and Blanche Brantley; and sisters, Dorothy Ann Brantley and Betty Jean Wicks.

Services were held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at High Cemetery in Canton. Visitation was held at the High Cemetery Church.