Shirley Whitley

Shirley Ann Whitley joined the Lord on Friday, November 9th surrounded by her much-loved family. She was born April 30, 1944 to parents Willard and Hallie Bowman of Fort Worth. Shirley grew up with her brother, Leon, many cousins and friends and she graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1962. Shirley was best known for volunteering and leading in the local PTA, being a member of Oak Knoll Baptist Church and enjoyed being a part of her Keno groups.

Shirley was introduced to the love of her life, James, at a church gathering in 1964. Shirley and James were engaged and married within 3 months and spent 54 loving years together. Shirley was a devoted homemaker and spent her life serving others in many different ways. They later welcomed and raised one son, Michael Heath Whitley. A few year later their son and daughter in law, Sherri, blessed them with 3 grandsons who also have blessed them with 2 great-grandsons. Each and every one of them were the light of her life and she loved them deeply!  Shirley and James also enjoyed traveling together over the years to many places like Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont and many other states. Many would say that Shirley was the key to family gatherings and her grandsons would always request “GranGran’s” yummy fried chicken. As many know, her front door was open to any family and friends as many would just stop by for a short visit.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, James Whitley; Son, Michael Whitley and his wife, Sherri; Brother, Leon Bowman and his wife, Kathleen; Grandsons, Bo Whitley and his wife, Lauryn, Brant Whitley and his wife, Cassie, and Blake Whitley and his wife Tori; Great- Grandsons, Colby Whitley and Cason Whitley; many much loved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and their treasured dog, Jake.

Shirley’s family wishes to thank the many Doctors, Hospice and Nursing Staff at Texas Health Alliance for the loving care given to Shirley. As one of the ICU nurses, Anthony, stated, “God is doing his work, we are just his assistants.”