Shirley Gervais Ory

Shirley Gonzales Gervais Ory received her angel wings from her Lord and joined her departed loved ones on April 23, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born on August 22, 1931, to the late Earl and Yolande Borel Gonzales. Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband Carlin Joseph Gervais (son of the late Lilly Berthelot and Joseph Gervais), her second husband Alceste “PopO” Ory, and her daughter, Estelle "Sissy" Nelson (the late Jerry). She is survived by her children Earl Gervais (Cindy), Carla Gervais Eckert (Paul), Bret “Buddy” Gervais (Donna), and Lee Gervais, Sr. (Rachel).

Shirley was extremely proud to be called Maw Maw Shirley when her amazing grandchildren were born: Celeste Eckert Davis (Dr. Michael); Carly Gervais Pigg (Dusty), Dr. Lauren Eckert Ploch (Dr. Stefan “Joe”), Tony Vicknair, Kira Gervais Mares (Dustin), Amiee Gervais, Mary Gervais Nehlig (Mark “St. Mark”), Lee “Tiger” Gervais, Jr. (Robyn), Garrett Gervais, Gerard Nelson, Jr. (Brittaney), and Chrissy Nelson Murray (Matt). She also dearly loved Dodie Ory Clement (Ray), their 3 children, and Richard Ory (Sheila) and Dakota.  Another great source of love and pride were her many great-grandchildren.

Other treasures in her life were her awesome neighbors, and she also greatly cherished her 50-plus years of friendship with her loyal card club friends. Another happiness for her was her lifelong friend Don Herrera (Diana).

Shirley was born in Lafayette, and she moved to New Orleans with her parents when she was a young girl. After the death of her first husband, Shirley worked very hard to support her family. She held several important jobs throughout her career, but her favorite job came after retirement when she owned and managed Lil Castle Snoballs. It was her dream to own a snoball stand and she made it a family affair, recruiting her children and grandchildren to help serve her loyal customers. She encouraged her customers to call her “Maw Maw Shirley” and she treated everyone like family. Shirley exuded warmth and enthusiasm. She was the matriarch of her family, was always the life of the party, and could make friends with anyone. She was also extremely bright. Her sharp wit and love of game shows culminated in her appearance and big win on Wheel of Fortune.

God truly blessed Shirley with all of her loved ones and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She showered her family with love and never let a moment pass when she wasn’t telling them how much they meant to her. She believed that to live in the memory and hearts of loved ones is to live forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial visitation at Our Lady of Divine Providence Church, 8617 W. Metairie Avenue in Metairie, LA on Saturday, May 7, 2022, beginning at 10:30am with a Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Our Lady of Divine Providence Church, 1000 N. Starrett Road, Metairie, LA 70003. 

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com

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