Pauline Ella Shirley, 91, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024. She was born on March 16, 1933, in Oxford, England, to Richard and Ethel Topham. She was the youngest of their children with one older sister: Betty Skinner. Pauline immigrated to America and lived across Mississippi, Florida, Kansas, and North Dakota before settling in Ellis County, Texas.
Pauline was a devoted wife and mother. She met and married Perman McKee, and they had three children together. After his passing in 1974, she found love again with Joe B. Shirley, who became a beloved "Papa Joe" to many of her grandchildren. They were married until his death in 2014.
Pauline is survived by her three children: Betty McCrary of Leesville, Louisiana; Guy McKee of Gilmer, Texas; and Theresa and Thomas Wiles of Waxahachie, Texas. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Eric McCrary of Louisville, Kentucky; Guy Kennan and April McKee of Quitman, Texas; Mary Kenesa and James Hutchins of Aubrey, Texas; Kristy McCrary of Leesville, Louisiana; Melissa and Chad Huneycutt of Waxahachie, Texas; and Tommy Wiles and Nathaniel Halsey of San Francisco, California. Her legacy continues through her fourteen great-grandchildren: Natalie, Erin, Dylan, David, Kyler, Kenli, Cloie, Christian, Brett, Caleb, Klayton, Logan, Levi, Kaylee; and one great-great-grandchild, Everly. She is also survived by her niece, Sandra Leonard and nephews, Jim Thomas and Terry Thomas; as well as a lifelong friend, Virginia Hopkins of Canton, Texas. Pauline was dedicated to her family and loved each and every member.
A devout follower of God, Pauline was a member of South Lake Baptist Church where she taught children's Bible study and vacation Bible school for many years. She loved to cook and delighted loved ones with her famous chocolate chip cookies, hearty chicken and dumplings, juicy meatloaf, homemade peach cobbler, and British-favorite Yorkshire pudding. Pauline was also passionate about knitting and crafts, leaving behind many handmade treasures for her family and community. She cherished visits to her homeland of England, always looking forward to seeing family and the places of her childhood.
In her professional life, Pauline worked for many years in various administrative positions at the VA hospital in Dallas, Texas. She retired in 1993 but continued to serve her community through roles at various churches.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 14th, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Wayne Boze Funeral Home. A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Chip Sebring of Southlake Baptist Church, will be held Tuesday, October 15th, at 10:00 AM at Hillcrest Cemetery. Please join the family as they remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Pauline Shirley.
Monday, October 14, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Wayne Boze Funeral Home
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Hillcrest Burial Park
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