Shirley Barrett

Shirley Ann Haak Barrett passed away on March 7, 2025. Shirley was born February 20, 1938, in Falls County on a farm near Marlin, Texas to Albert and Pearl Tull Haak. She graduated from Marlin High School in 1956 and received a secretarial and accounting diploma from 4-C Business College in 1958. She also attended Texas State College for Women. She kept books for the family business, Haak Lumber Company and the Marlin Quick Stop. Following this she worked for the City of Waco as a data analyst and later as a facility attendant for the refuse department. She retired from the City of Waco in 2000.

Shirley met Roger Barrett, a Waco Police Officer while attending 4-C Business College and they married September 21, 1958, and were blessed with two daughters. Roger was slain in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a murder suspect at a local bus terminal in 1976. Shirley became actively involved in victims rights and organized an anti-crime organization known as Texans for Victims Rights. She was present when Governor Mark White signed HB 235 which was enacted into law giving victims of crime certain rights within the criminal justice system.

Shirley loved her Lord and was active in several churches throughout her life. These churches include Calvary Baptist church and First Assembly of God church in Marlin. She was also active in Waco Bible Baptist Church, Victory Baptist Church, Western Hills Baptist Church, Greater Waco Baptist Church (Formerly Bellmead Calvary Baptist Church), all of Waco, she left this world a member of Beacon Hill Baptist Church. Shirley served these churches in various ministries including pianist, organist and keyboardist for over 52 years. She played for her first service at Calvary Baptist Church of Marlin at the age of 17. She served as a youth leader of Calvary Baptist Church Ambassadors and taught both youth and women’s Bible classes. In her later years she founded and served Wings Widows, a group which reached out to the bereaved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Stephanie Barrett, and two brothers, Charles Haak Sr. and Garland Haak. 

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Sharon Adams and husband Robbie, granddaughter, Skylar Hicks, nephews, Terry Haak and wife Gail, James Haak.

Services will include a visitation from 5-7:00 pm Wednesday, March 12 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, her Graveside service will be at 9 am Thursday, March 13 at Rosemound Cemetery, and Memorial Celebration of Life will be at 11 am Thursday, March 13 at Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Waco.

Shirley will be missed by all who knew her.