Shirley Evelyn Lewine Safer, 91, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, in League City, Texas.

She was born on February 22, 1935, in Jackson, Mississippi to Anna Dumont Lewine and Louis Lewine. She graduated from Central High School before attending Louisiana State University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma Delta and Alpha Epsilon Phi sororities, and the Hillel Foundation.

On July 28, 1957, Shirley married the love of her life and U.S. Air Force Officer, Melvyn Irwin Safer. Together, they shared more than 55 years of marriage and had three beautiful daughters: Minette Louise, Vicki Jeanne, and Tammy Leigh.

Throughout her life, Shirley was an active member of the Officers' Wives Club. She and Melvyn were founding members of Congregation Sha'ar Hashalom and later owned and operated a successful insurance business together. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends, and showering her rescue dogs and cats with love.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her sharp wit, fierce loyalty, and love of the color purple. She was an extraordinary cook, and she firmly believed there was no such thing as "too much food." No gathering ever ended without her insisting everyone take home leftovers. Declining was never really an option-- she would simply find a bigger container.

She is survived by her daughters, Vicki Jeanne Safer, of League City, Texas, and Tammy Leigh Safer Allison, of Friendswood, Texas; and by her grandchildren, Jeffrey Morgan Allison and Shelby Leann Allison, both of Friendswood, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Helen Irene; her daughter, Minette; and her husband, Melvyn.

A funeral service will be held on Monday July 27 at Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas, where she will be buried alongside her husband and daughter. Shirley's generosity and warmth will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.