Jill Shugart

Dr. Jill Shugart went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. She was born on July 15, 1940, at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

A lifelong resident of Garland, Jill graduated 13th in her class from Garland High School in 1958. She was an honor graduate, senior class treasurer, voted Most Versatile Senior, All GHS by faculty, Dashing Debs Drill Team President, and Editor-in-Chief of the Owls Nest yearbook.

Jill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, History, and English from Baylor University in 1962, followed by a Master of Arts in History from Texas Woman’s University in 1974, and later a Ph.D. in Adult Continuing Education from TWU in 1980.

Her distinguished career with the Garland Independent School District spanned over three decades. She began as a teacher of English, History, and Civics, later serving as Assistant Principal, Director of Communications, Assistant Superintendent of Education Operations, and ultimately Superintendent of Schools from 1985–2000. Following her retirement from GISD, she served as Executive Director of Region 10 Education Service Center from 2002–2005.

Her lifelong dedication to public education, leadership, and service earned her numerous honors including Top Citizen of Garland, Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Maribeau B. Lamar Award from the Garland Masonic Lodge, Top 5 Superintendent in Texas, Tall Texan Award from the Garland Chamber of Commerce, and Garland High School Distinguished Alumni.

Jill was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Garland, where her faith guided every aspect of her life. She served as a Worthy Advisor for the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, a member of the University Interscholastic League Athletic Committee (1993), and on the Board of Directors for Baylor Hospital of Garland (2001–2009).

Beyond her remarkable professional accomplishments, Jill’s greatest joy came from her family, faith, friendships, and community. She was devoted to her loved ones—especially her son and granddaughters—who were the center of her world. She carried many deep and lasting friendships throughout her entire life. Jill had a gift for making everyone she encountered feel seen, valued, and celebrated, and she approached life’s milestones with unmatched enthusiasm and grace.

Her lake house at Cedar Creek Lake was one of her favorite places to gather with family and friends. Whether hosting holiday celebrations, summer weekends on the water, or quiet mornings on the porch with her girls, that home reflected her love for connection and her joy in creating memories. Jill’s love for travel took her all over the country and around the world, and she approached each new destination with the same curiosity and gratitude that she brought to every area of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude “Farmer” and Allie Merle Shugart; her brothers, Preston and Steve Shugart; her sister-in-law, Shirley Shugart; her nephew, Bob Shugart; and her beloved son, Matthew Shugart—each of whom she now rejoices to be reunited with in Heaven.

Jill is survived by her granddaughters, Ashtyn and Peyton Shugart; their mother, Audra Moses, with whom she shared a lasting and deeply cherished bond; and Audra’s husband, Jason Moses, and son, Colton Moses. She is also survived by Matthew Shugart’s fiancé; Susan Chapa and her son, Austin Chapa, who held a very special place in her heart. Jill is further survived by her nieces, Lisa Shugart-Ballard and Lori Shugart; Lisa’s husband, Ken Ballard; her great-nephews, Scott, Drew, Blake, and Brad Dunavant, their wives and families; and her nephew Bob Shugart’s wife, Debbie Shugart.

Jill was also loved by a host of extended family, dear friends, and former colleagues who will forever remember her warmth, humor, and unwavering support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Jill Shugart Scholarship with the Garland Education Foundation, honoring her lifelong dedication to the education and the Garland community.