Ashro Woman: Shirley B.
Meet Ashro Woman of the Week, Shirley B. from Fort Worth, TX
Fabulous Shirley is a dedicated hat wearer. “As far back as I can remember, I have always worn hats. It gives you a sense of believing in yourself with pride and dignity.”
No doubt, Shirley must believe in herself because she has accomplished great things. She is a mother, a motivational speaker, a Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Sister and a retired school administrator. She has spent 45 years working in the public schools, touching the lives of over 15,000 students! Now that’s influence.
As we all know, influence flows from somewhere. For Shirley, it starts with God. “My faith is my life. Without God, I could do nothing.” When we asked Shirley about the people who influenced her the most, she credited her aunt and uncle—her adoptive parents.
At just 8 years old, Shirley was orphaned, and it was her aunt and uncle that stepped in and adopted her. “They were strict, religious, and stressed finer manhood and womanhood.”
To this day, Shirley lives out that excellence. She starts every day with meditation. She serves as the historian of her church and spends her free time reading, writing and exercising. A mother herself, Shirley says that motherhood has taught her “patience: to give love, be firm, fair and consistent in all that we undertake to do.”
| Name |
| Shirley B. |
| Which city do you live? |
| Fort Worth |
| Which state do you live? |
| Texas |
| How would you describe the Ashro woman? How do you embody her? |
| I would describe the Ashro woman as a christian, caregiver, friend and independent thinker. |
| What do you do for a living? What do you like most about it? What don’t you like? |
| I am a retired public school administrator. 45 years in public school education. It was a joy to work with over 15,000 students that are now working in a global society. |
| How do you spend your free time? |
| Thank you for asking. I spend my day first in meditation, exercise, reading, writing and doing special things for others. |
| What small thing makes you happy? |
| Peace! Being able to encourage and help others. |
| What is your best dish? Who do you make it for—and where do you typically serve it? |
| My best dish is “hurry’ instead of ‘curry’ chicken. It is so easy to make. I share it with my nieces and grandnieces because we meet together once each month. I am now the matriarch. |
| What has been your greatest struggle…and your greatest (or latest) triumph? |
| I can’t say that I have had a great struggle. The Lord has been so good to me; the reason I say that, I was adopted by my mother’s sister and her husband at the tender age of eight, having lost both parents seven months apart. hu |
| Who influenced you the most in your life. Why? And in what way? |
| My adopted mother and father. They were strict, religious and stressed finer manhood and womanhood. |
| Do you volunteer or do charity work? Tell us about it! |
| Yes. I am a motivation speaker. One of the most unique things I do, I send birthdays to family and friends and enclose $1.00 and ask them to buy them a Coke of Dr. Pepper. |
| Are you in a sorority? Or is anyone in your family in a sorority? If so, which one and what does it mean to you? |
| Yes. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Sisterhood is a big factor. |
| What do you love about fashion and style? |
| I think it is a part of life. As far back as I can remember, I have always worn hats. It gives you a sense of believing in yourself with pride and dignity. |
| Has anyone in particular influenced your style? |
| Yes. My adopted mother instilled so many great things in me. |
| What occasions/events do you dress up for? (for example-do you often dress up for church, cultural events, charity events, going out, etc.) And how often do you typically get dressed up? |
| All occasions, especially on Sunday. I was featured in a book with ladies wearing fashionable hats. The book entitled, Come, Sunday Morning. by Rita Morgan. |
| How has your style evolved over time? |
| Times have changed, but I haven’t changed as far as wearing hats. That has become my signature. |
| Do you wear hats? How often and what type of hat? Do you wear them to church? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a hat with us! |
| Yes! Design hats. To church, yes! |
| Do you wear headwraps? How often? Where did you learn how to tie it? Share a pic of you in a headwrap with us! |
| Yes, but seldom. |
| Do you wear wigs? How often and what length or style? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a wig with us! |
| Yes! |
| Are you a woman of faith? How does that faith affect your life? Please tell us more. |
| Yes! My faith is my life. Without God, I could do nothing. |
| Do you attend church? What church do you go to and what do you love most about it? |
| Yes! Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; I am the church historian. I am proud to say that I have witnessed my son and his family attending Sunday School, and all of the church activities. What I like most is seeing working in the church. He is now the Chairman of the Deacon Board and Director of Sunday School. |
| How are you passing along your faith traditions onto your children/grandchildren? |
| Yes, most definitely. I did not send them; We worked together in all areas of the church. |
| Are you a First Lady or a Pastor? |
| No |
| Your best advice? |
| Always keep God first in your life. Show your faith, speak words of wisdom when necessary. |
| What lessons has motherhood (or being a grandmother) taught you? |
| Motherhood has taught me patience; to give love, be firm, fair and consistent in all that we undertake to do. |
| Are you an Ashro Credit customer? If so, how has our credit helped you? |
| Yes! Thank you, but very seldom do I use credit. |
| Do you have a memory to share of when you first heard about Ashro or when you received your first catalog? |
| I have been a purchaser from Ashro for many years. Thank you for your service! |
Thanks for inspiring us, Shirley!
If you’d like a chance to be a future Ashro Woman of the Week, share your story with us—then watch your weekly Ashro emails to see if you’re featured next! Already filled out our questionnaire? Then you’re all set (you may see yourself featured in next week’s email)! Make sure to tell your friends and family to sign up for emails. We can’t wait to see you!
