Obituary of Kaye Shafer

This world was introduced to Belinda Kaye Shafer (Kaye) on February 11, 1951 in Provo, Utah.  She was the first born to Willie Leon Harris and Flossie Mae Harris; their family was later completed by the addition of her two beautiful sisters, Sharron Lynn Stephens and Vickie Lavon Kelley. Kaye enjoyed close relationships with her sisters, as well as many cousins and extended family members here in Texas, as well as Louisiana.

She was naturally smart and attended L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas.  Throughout life she would continue to keep sharp by completing crossword puzzles and always challenging herself to use the “big words”, even when expressing something simple.  

Kaye began her career early in life working at the famous Dairy Mart in Euless, Texas. She would later move into more administrative and clerical positions. Some of her most rewarding work was in sales support at the World Trade Center in Dallas, Texas where she enjoyed working beside her two sisters who would often carpool to work together.

Kaye married in 1968 and had two daughters; Tammy Lynette Miller and Traci Lynn Hughes.  She later became a single parent.  Kaye did a remarkable job at raising her daughters and often expressed how proud she was of the women they have become.  Kaye was also honored to be a grandmother to Kali Nichole Hughes and Alyssa Danielle Hughes. 

Kaye was a remarkable sister.  She would frequently tag along with her younger sister Vickie on working road trips. It is possible she was going along for the opportunity to stop at Rip Griffith’s; but nonetheless Kaye enjoyed the travel and certainly made a positive contribution. When her travels with Vickie slowed down she captured the opportunity to spend time with Sharron where they both were members of the Women of the Moose in Haltom City.

Kaye was also a go-to babysitter for her older sister Sharron.  Actually, her niece, Crystal Wallace, and her nephew, David Leon Stephens, found joy in going to her house during holidays and summer time as they knew they could spend hours of each day playing Wahoo, Yahtzee, and other games.  They also knew she made the best grilled cheese sandwiches this side of Wisconsin.

While she was not an extravagant spender, Kaye loved to shop mail order catalogs! She would normally have completed her Christmas shopping by June of each year.  She was most famous for wrapping all her gifts using packing tape, which makes it all the more rewarding when you finally get the package opened.

Kaye experienced many challenges in life, including multiple medical issues, but she never allowed her challenges to dictate how she would live. Early in life Kaye enjoyed outside activities like camping and fishing.  Later in life she found joy in crafts, playing games, and shopping. 

Even as her health concerns increased, Kaye continued to find joy in each day.  She exuded a spirit of compassion that drew many friends into her life. She gave, sometimes beyond her limits, to those who were in need and always carried an attitude of gratitude for what she had. 

Kaye is proceeded in death by her father, Willie Leon Harris and a loved brother-in-law, David Stephens.  She is survived by her mother, Flossie Mae Harris. Also surviving are her two daughters, Tammy and Traci; her son-in-law Albert Miller; two sisters Sharron and Vickie; her brother in law, Johnny Kelley; her two granddaughters, Kali and Alyssa, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Kaye would often give to others through donations, even when she herself was in need.  Her belief was that she had been so blessed she had to give to others.  If she has inspired you, and you would like make a donation to one of her favorite charities or causes, they are: Wounded Warrior Project, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or the Martin United Methodist Community Pantry.