Mrs. Shirley Masters “A Shining Star” Says Farewell

I, Mrs. Shirley Masters, with a sadden heart  am submitting my farewell letter to the Marlin-Falls County Communities to move back to my home state of California soon.

I moved to Marlin June 30, 1989 with my husband Clarence Masters who was raised in Marlin-Rocky Hill, TX and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

As I look back on my journey here in Marlin, I have for the most part fond memories of the people I grew to know and love.

For Nine years my husband and I had a furniure & Appliance resale store in downtown Marlin known as “Bargain Masters” which I  want to thank all who were our customers.

I had the honor of working with a Pioneer for Children, Mrs. Lucille Hampton, who worked with government funded pilot programs that included an afterschool tutoring program for children, a literacy program and a Survival Skills Training for Women program. These three programs were very instrumental in helping children to move forward academically who had been in special education, helped adults to Improve reading skills, and helped single mothers to learn the skills for being the head of their families.  The success of these programs were made possible by the volunteers and the Board Members of Booker T. Washington Resource Center.

During this time I was also a contract worker with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission.  This was a very rewarding position. I worked with residents of Marlin, Falls County who had been released from being Incarcerated to learn the skills to return or retry to the work force.  Also this position covered finding accomadating employment for anyone with a disability.

I then worked as a caseworker for Child Protective Service (CPS) and remained in this position until there was a reduction in force.

I was blessed to find a position immediately with the Texas Youth Commission.  At the age of 67 years old  I retired from there.  My time with the State of Texas added up to twelve years.

My retirement was very short lived because I started working as a site Coordinator for a government funded program called “Weed and Seed” in which this program ended in 2008.  Once again I came out of retirement when I was asked to take the position as a full-time Case Manager for E.O.A.C. in the Marlin office.  Out of all positions held, this was by far the one I will always treasure, helping residents of Falls County with programs that were offered through E.O.A.C. such as Utility bills, Homes refurbished, job placement training, new appliances for homes and many more helpful things for residents. I have many of the residents to thank for being volunteers; without them the program would not have been successful.  I retired for the last time in 2014.

I met so many people during my time of employement in Marlin. In one way or another you played an important chapter during my journey here.  

I thank the Board of Booker T Washington Resource Center for being a part of their committee to restore the B.T.W. High School to its original beauty as it is ongoing and have made much progress.

I Thank Booker T. Washington Alumni for accepting me even though I was not a graduate of your school. I so enjoyed the years I was asked to coordinate the Friday Night Fashion Shows for the yearly Reunion.

To my wonderful church Families which I started as a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church who so warmly welcomed me and accepted me wholehearted, not to mention my very special special friend, the late Ruby Faye Pearl Butler Williams Bell.  It was when my husband joined the Bible Way Church Family Worship Center under the leadership of Bishop Lonnie Garrett is why I moved membership to join with him.  Also Bible Way church welcomed me with open arms and wholeheartedly until I am still there at present.  

My hobbies made away and opened many doors for me such as writing plays and performing them, making personalized hide-a-way signature Dolls by hand, Wedding decoration and flowers, many other items I love to do by hand.

Last but not least for 24 years I coordinated and presented a yearly gathering “God’s Rainbow of Many Colors.”  This was initiated by seeing churches desegregated during their worship services every Sunday and God gave me a burden to help bridge the gap between races in which has been very successful and rewarding. We want to Thank all the different churches in Marlin and surrounding areas for your great participation for 24 wonderful  years of progress. The message is for all God’s children worship together in love and harmony just as we will in Heaven.

Bishop Lonnie Garrett and CoPastor Gail Garrett has mixed emotions on losing a dedicated Sunday School Teacher, Mission President, Choir Director, Financial Staff member, Rocky Hill Cemetary Secretary-Treasure all wrapped up in Sis. Masters.  Bishop Garrett Says, “we understand her adult children want her to live closer to them since she has already  celebrated her 80th Birthday and she will be missed tremendously by the whole community.” Mrs. Masters is everybody’s friend and helper if needed.

Copastor Garrett says that since the Coronavirus Pandemic is in effect around in whole world, we are unable to give Mrs. Masters a big Going away event as she deserves, but would like for anyone and everyone who wishes to contribute to Her next life’s chapter can do so any time by June 13,, 2020 

MAIL TO:   Bible Way Church FWC *   %Shirley Masters * P O Box 232 * Marlin, Tx  76661

(OR)   if desired you may email “Love token” using:     Paypal.me/shirleymasters

We at Bible Way Church, Marlin, Waco, Dallas, surrounding areas want to keep her Smiling.