The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Shirley Ann Roccaforte, age 67, died at her home in Bridge City, on Monday, Dec. 14. Her death was sudden and unexpected, with cause yet to be determined.

Shirley was born Dec. 15, 1947 to Paul and Betty Jo Potter in Phoenix, Az, where she also graduated from high school. Soon thereafter, she moved to Texas with the marriage of her first husband, Harry Land. Later, Shirley became the proud wife of current Bridge City Mayor, Kirk Roccaforte. Kirk and Shirley enjoyed and lived life together for 37 rewarding years.

Shirley will be especially remembered for her quick wit, spunk and "way with words" that brought life to all her conversations. She was known for playing pranks, as well as creating comedy out of any dull situation. Shirley enjoyed offering the gift of laughter to anyone willing to entertain her whimsical banter.

Besides being a wife to Kirk, Shirley's greatest joy was being "Granny" to her three grandsons. There was never a doubt how much Shirley cherished those three boys.

Shirley will be missed in tremendous measures by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Kirk Roccaforte; mother, Betty Jo Potter; son, Aaron Roccaforte and his wife, Chrisleigh Ulery Roccaforte; daughter, Cristal Land DuBois and her husband, Dwayne (Beaver) DuBois; brother Paul Monroe Potter, Jr and his wife, Polly, as well as her three grandchildren, Camden DuBois, Caleb DuBois and Trent Roccaforte. Shirley is also survived by a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, including Mark and Vickey Roccaforte, Donald and Val Roccaforte, Danny and Denise Roccaforte, Chuck Roccaforte and Johnnie Denena and Julie Roccaforte, as well as a loving mother-in-law, Marilyn Roccaforte and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by a daughter, Robin Lynn Land and her father, Paul Potter, Sr.

Visitation will be held at Winfree Baptist Church on Friday, Dec. 18, from 12:00-2:00 pm immediately followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. Burial and graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery following the Memorial.

Because of Shirley's devoted and affectionate love for animals, donations are being accepted, in lieu of flowers, for PAWS Pet Rescue and can be dropped off or mailed to Dr. Albert Pugh, 2832 Texas Avenue, Bridge City, TX 77611.

Services are under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.