Shirley Jean Essman

Shirley Jean Essman (Chernosky) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and great caregivers at St Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Wednesday Mar 18, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Essman, Sr., parents August and Willie Mae Chernosky of Sugar Land, and brother-in-law Melvin Mayhood of Sugar Land. She is survived by her children, Kimberly Essman of Washington, and Lee Essman, Jr. and wife Stacey of Navasota, brother Darrell Chernosky and wife Loretta of Needville, sister Linda Mayhood of Alvin, former daughter-in-law Tara Littion of Del Valle, grandchildren Zakary Snook, Emily Morgan and Chase, Shane Essman, Zoe Essman, great-grandchildren Harbor Stevenson and Story Morgan, and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Shirley was born to August and Willie Mae Chernosky (Kruse) on October 31,1945 in Sugar Land, Texas. She attended school there and graduated from Dulles High School in 1964. She worked at Gulf Coast Feeds in Dewalt, Texas where she met dairyman Lee Sr. of Iola and they were married on August 12, 1967. They were married for 33 years until his passing in 2000. They built up and ran the dairy that was established in 1959 south of Iola through struggles and hardships, good times and bad, until selling out in 1990. Shirley worked right alongside her husband tending to the business and all that entailed to operate their dairy. She was known for hard work and being a homemaker. Running kids to and from school, practices, going to games or activities like livestock shows and county fairs were just a few of the many hats she wore. With selfless sacrifice she did what needed to be done to help and take care of her family and the dairy. She loved cooking, especially baking, and could throw a great birthday party. Shirley always put others before herself and would do anything for her family or anyone who needed help. She gave more than she received but never complained, tirelessly giving of herself. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and was there at many functions and events, always the number one supporter.

Honoring her life as Pallbearers are Lee Essman, Shane Essman, Andy Lacy, Darrell Chernosky, Brian Kirk, Zak Snook; Honorary Pallbearers are John Snook and Justin Mayhood.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, with visitation prior to the service at 9:00 am with funeral at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Bedias. Interment to follow at Bedias Baptist Cemetery. Services are in the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel.