Shirley Fair Phares passed away on Wednesday September 23, 2026. Shirley was born to Lawerance “Tuck” and Lurline Hinds on May 2,1939, in Ajax Louisiana. When she was two years old her father died and Lurline later married Charles C. Cox who adopted Shirley and raised her as his own daughter. She attended school in Natchitoches and while in high school caught the eye of James Rex Fair and after some coaxing went on a date with him. That date would be the beginning of a love that would result in a 59-year marriage. In the early years of their marriage Shirley worked as a telephone operator and later fulfilled her calling by becoming a stay-at-home mother. She and Rex had three children, Tanya Fair Marr and husband Carroll Marr of Fort Worth, TX, Darla Fair Webb and husband Mike Webb of Natchitoches, and the late James Rex Fair, Jr. of Natchitoches. Among her greatest joys was becoming “Mom” to eight grandchildren, Michael Marr and wife Tressa of Keller, TX, Daniel Marr and wife Christina of Baton Rouge La, John Marr and wife Taylor of Fort Worth, TX, Michael Webb and wife Jessica of Fort Worth, TX, Dylan Webb and wife Tiffany of Natchitoches, Kaleigh Smith and husband Tucker of Natchitoches, Jolee Fair, and Jadee Beth Fair, both of Baton Rouge La. and 15 great grandchildren who all adored her.

Shirley was the definition of Southern Charm and a true Southern Lady. She was an excellent cook and everyone who knew her knew her for that skill. She loved cooking for others and always seemed to have a warm cake, just out of the oven, anytime you dropped by. If you visited her you left “full” and with an arm load of food for later. She loved her church and was always involved, most of the time cooking something for someone or some event. She also enjoyed canning and “putting up” fresh vegetables so the food she prepared was from farm to table. She loved to travel and after the death of her husband took the trip of a lifetime as she called it to Niagara Falls.

After Rex died, she met Gailor Phares whose companionship brought joy and stability to her life. They enjoyed time together and were Married on Valentines Day in 2021. She and Gailor enjoyed special relationship that brought much happiness in the last years of her life.

A celebration of life service will be held at Blanchard St Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches Sunday September 27th with visitation from 12:00 -2:00 and a service at 2;00, Burial will follow at American Cemetery of Natchitoches. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Michael Marr, Daniel Marr, John Marr, Michael Webb, Dylan Webb, and Tucker Smith.