Shirley grew up in Fort Worth before moving to San Angelo, where she and her husband reared their twin sons. She received a Legal Assistant Certificate from the SMU Legal Assistant Program in 1990. She has served as legal assistant with the firm since 1997. Her primary duties with the firm include preparation of probate documents, monitoring all probate matters for the firm, assisting attorneys with initial drafting of various estate planning documents and preparation of illustrative flow charts which assist clients in understanding the sometimes lengthy documents prepared to implement their estate plans. When she has the time, she enjoys reading a good "who-done-it" book and playing with the family Schnauzers, Bear and Jake.