Shirley J. Travis

Obituary For Shirley J. Travis

It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Jean Travis announces her passing on November 18, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at Osteopathic Hospital, where she left this world peacefully in her sleep.

Born in Steelton, Pennsylvania to Francis “Dutchie” Howard Payne & Virginia “Sis” Colston Payne, Shirley grew up surrounded by family, faith and hardened by an unshakable resolve and fierce determination. A proud graduate of Steelton High School, she went on to join the United States Air Force, where she met and later married her husband of sixty-two years, Robert C. Travis of Houston, Texas. Together they raised three children—Kaj S. Travis, Nicole D. Travis and David A. Travis, all of Harrisburg.

An ardent believer in education, Shirley continued her academic journey at Elizabethtown College, where she earned her degrees with honors. She was devoted to providing excellent education and maintaining high standards for her students. Though she later achieved her principal’s certification, her heart always belonged in the classroom. She spent more than thirty years teaching in the Harrisburg School District and continued to substitute after her well-earned retirement throughout Central Pennsylvania because she genuinely loved teaching children and believed in being active.

A devoted follower of Christ, Shirley loved the Lord deeply and honored the Sabbath with reverence. She was stern yet loving, unwaveringly fair and guided her life with integrity and a devotion to her family. A lifelong student herself, she was passionate about family and teaching them all they could whenever she could. Her wisdom and candor shaped generations within her family and community leaving an indelible mark on all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Virginia L. “Puddie” Rieves and Margaret “Doll” Fuller and her brothers, Marshall Payne, Fredrick Payne, William “Billy” Payne and Michael Payne.

She is survived by her children, Kaj S. Travis, Nicole D. Travis and David A. Travis; her grandchildren, Sheé Lane, Nathan Lane, Julienn Handy-Travis, Zora Thomas and Laila Scarlett; her brothers, John and Sam Payne; her eleven great-grandchildren; her adopted grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of faith, discipline, compassion, and steadfast commitment to both her family and her students. Her life was a testament to service, learning and love. Leaving a beautifully profound legacy that will endure in every heart she touched.

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in the Chapel of Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.