Shirley Nan Bright Dillon
Shirley Nan Bright Dillon passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in League City, Texas at the age of 90.
She was born on January 7, 1935 in Greenville, Texas to Donald and Vyndetta Bright. After their divorce, Vyndetta married P.L. “Jack” Jackson and the family moved to Nederland, Texas. There they raised Shirley, her sister, and brothers with great stability, love and affection.
Shirley attended elementary through high school in Nederland and maintained great friendships with many, many friends from there, especially her best friend, Ena Stoesser.
After graduating from Nederland High School at the age of 16, Shirley attended Lamar University where she met her future husband, William H. “Bill” Dillon, Jr. Eventually, she transferred to Baylor University where she graduated before accepting her first teaching position at Frostwood Elementary School in the Houston/CyFair area. She was only 19 years old. Eventually, she left there to begin teaching in Spring Branch ISD. During this time, she attended the University of Houston where she earned a master’s degree in counseling, allowing her to move into the role of Guidance Counselor. She served in this role at Spring Oaks Jr. High School and Northbrook Senior High School. Many of those students have stayed in touch with her and have sent messages telling how Shirley impacted their lives in huge ways.
Shirley and Bill started their family in 1956 and added two children, Sheree and Jack, who they loved dearly. Shirley and Bill were very active in church life at Baptist Temple in Houston, teaching in the Senior High Department, and making friendships that would last a lifetime. Shirley would eventually move to Missouri City where she continued to make lasting friendships with so many and she became a member at Sugar Creek Church. There she enjoyed her Sunday school class and made even more sweet friends.
Shirley loved to travel, drive, dance, cook, spend time with her beautiful family, lunch with friends, and talk and text on the phone. She was a follower of Jesus Christ from a young age, a strong prayer warrior, and we were assured she “called our names” in prayer every day.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Bright and Vyndetta and P.L. “Jack” Jackson. Also by her siblings, Marcheta Hunter (Earl), Donald Bright, Douglass Bright, Bob “Bobby” Bright (Marge), as well as her ex-husband, Bill Dillon.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Sheree Gwin (Ron), and her son, Jack Dillon (Michelle). By her grandchildren: Rachel Camp (Warren), Garrett Gwin (Kayla), David Gwin (Tara), Ryan Dillon (Lacey), Kristin Fellencer (Paul), Austin Dillon (Chrissy), Chase Fisher (Megan), and Chance Fisher (Alyssa). And by her great grandchildren: Hudson, Adeline, Owen, Calvin, Leisel, Kacyn, Gage, Lincoln, Logan, June, Levi, Blair, Brooke, Zoe, and Luke. She is also survived by two brothers, Frank Bright (Suzzanne) and Stephen Bright (Joy).
The family is extremely grateful for the caregivers and staff of Regal Estates Assisted Living in League City where Shirley spent the last four months of her life. She especially enjoyed her physical, speech, and occupational therapists, her med techs, her amazing caregivers, and her nurse practitioner.
The family with receive friends on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with a Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573 with Pastor Warren Camp presiding.
A Grave Side Ceremony will follow on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, 7671 I-35, Robinson, Texas 76706. Shirley will be buried near her beloved parents, Vyndetta and P.L. “Jack” Jackson.
The family welcomes, flowers, cards, or a memorial contribution to Shirley’s church, Sugar Creek Church, 13223 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved this fine Christian lady.
Much love and prayers for this entire family! Our hearts are sadden at your loss and heaven’s gain. May you continue to rejoice in the joy she brought to so many with her sweet Christian spirit.
Kenneth and Nancy Williams