Shirley Faye Wheelington
Shirley Faye Wheelington of Beaumont, 71, loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Beaumont. She was born December 16, 1949 in Silsbee, Texas to Clayton E. Glaze, Jr. and the late Robbie Lee Glaze.
A beloved educator, Shirley began her teaching career at West Hardin Elementary where she was instrumental in starting the kindergarten program. She continued her career at Sutherland Elementary teaching special education. While teaching at Bingman Elementary, Shirley also earned her master’s degree in Education. After more than 30 dedicated years serving as an educator, she retired from Dishman Elementary in 2001. Her husband, Paul, recalls many instances when a young adult would approach them and ask if Mrs. Wheelington remembered them from kindergarten. Shirley, as the incredible educator that she was, always knew who they were, by name.
In her “spare time”, Shirley and her best friend Casi Harrison had a catering business for several years. After retirement, she continued serving in the education field by tutoring numerous students in her home. Shirley also loved to travel with her husband, family and friends.
Although she and her husband had no direct children, Shirley was a mother, aunt, and friend to hundreds of children, including her nieces and nephews.
When you walked into Shirley’s house, it always smelled like candles. In the mornings, it would take four pieces of burned toast to finally get one that was edible. She enjoyed baking sugar cookies, pecan pies and cheese dip for family gatherings. She loved shoes and kept them in the original boxes. Shirley collected Boyd’s Bears, gnomes, carousels, horses, and owls. She treasured her childhood dolls, yet she allowed her nieces to play with them. She loved going on shopping trips with her nieces and nephews. They fondly recall going to many stores until they found just what they wanted. Shirley was known to shop until the stores were closing their gates. She loved sporty, fast cars. Nieces and nephews were often her traveling companions on numerous vacations. She kept candy bars in the fridge to keep them fresh. Delaware Punch, Dr. Pepper, Coke and iced tea were some of her favorite beverages. Shirley loved going out to eat, especially for Mexican food. She also enjoyed going to the movies. She read many books and listened to a variety of music. She loved horses and owned an Arabian horse named Shumil for many years.
Shirley’s smile, laugh and good sense of humor will always be remembered. She was a good listener for friends and family. She was without judgment, but would also let her true thoughts be known in a loving way. Due to her unconditional love and patience, she was known by many as “Aunt Shirley”.
Her family includes her husband of 48 years, Paul L Wheelington of Beaumont; her dad, Clayton Glaze; sisters, Kathy Wagley and husband, Carlin, of Nome, Texas and Kim Perry of Duncan, South Carolina; nieces and nephews, Amy Lignell (Scott), Alisa Vasquez, Aaron Wagley (Jodi), Rachael Naegle (Jordan), Spencer Wagley (Cristine), Steven Wagley (Michelle), and Laurie Montes (Aaron). Great-nieces and nephews Natalie (Ian), Lily, Joshua, Flynn, Tye, Kenadie, Cora, Copper, Fern, Wren, Autumn, Elliot, Penelope, Windsor, Fletcher, Akira, Vash, Ashitaka, Asuna, Landon, Olivia, Luke, and Caden. Great-great-nephew and niece, Jacen and Ember. She is preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents; nephew, Michael Wagley; and brother-in-law, Thomas Perry.
Her faith in God and devotion reassures her family that we will be reunited with her again someday.
A gathering of Mrs. Wheelington’s family and friends will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m., at Village Mills Cemetery, Village Mills.
In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts directed to Lamar University Foundation for the Shirley F. Wheelington Scholarship Fund in Education. Mail gifts to Lamar University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710 or use www.lamar.edu/give. Those who wish to honor the memory of Shirley F. Wheelington may do so by making a donation to this scholarship fund at Lamar University.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
Video
Graveside Service
Graveside Service
- village mills village mills tx 77663
- 01/21/2021
- 1:00 pm
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 01/21/2021
- 5:23 am
Comments
Jack Langston
Uncle Clayton and family, we so sorry that Shirley left us so soon. Prayers for the family. We will see her again in heaven.
Carl Lane & Cindy Henderson
Dear Paul and family, Lane and I are so very sorry for your great loss. Shirley had such a sweet spirit and we will all miss her. Please know that we are praying for you all. Carl Lane & Cindy Henderson
Cathy Martin
I am sadden by the death of Shirley! I graduated in ‘68 with Shirley and, several years later, volunteered for her kindergarten class! RIP Shirley! Till we meet again!
Susan Ingram
I am so saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. We taught together at Dishman Elementary. We had such great times together. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Carol Lopez
I am so sorry to hear about Shirley's passing. We worked together at Dishman. Sending hugs and prayers to her family.
Tom Reynolds
I am so surprised to hear of Shirley's passing. It seems as though it was only yesterday that we would all get together at Bob's and Clayton's house between classes. Though we have not seen much of each other for years, I still think back with fond memories of all the family get-to-gathers. She has been busy the last couple of days in heaven, spending time with all those that went before her that loved her so much. My prayers and thoughts are with all the family at our temporary loss.
Veronica Hamilton
Shirley and I worked at Bingman Elementary for several years. She was a wonderful kindergarten teacher and friend. Paul-Roger and I will be praying for you during this sad and sorrowful time.
Wilhelmina Brown
I work with Mrs. Wheelington at Dishman Elementary. We worked together when Dishman first opened. I enjoyed that beautiful smile she had. God bless her family. My prayers are with u all.
Jamie Lynn Talbert
Alisa and Family, I’m so very sorry to hear about sweet Aunt Shirley. She was such a sweet and kind lady. May she Rest In Peace. Sending you all many prayers!
Diane Bertrand Silver
Such sweet memories of my first experience in education. I don’t remember every moment of that Kindergarten year but I remember feeling safe and loved. As an educator I understand now what an amazing gift she provided for all of her students. We are praying for your family in this moment of loss but hope that you will be comforted by the knowledge that Mrs. Wheelington was well loved by so many of her students.
Kay Blankenship
I am so sorry to hear that Mrs. Wheelington has passed away. She taught both of my daughters (Paige and Kimberly) kindergarten. She was such an awesome and kind teacher. I did some volunteer work for her, she was the best and blessed a lot of young lives.
Robin Williams
I was so saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. She was always so kind to me and had a very caring nature. My love goes out to the family.
Becky Davis
I’m lost for words you have been my friend since 1984, helped you with your class even had my 4 year old with me you let her go up to the loft to look at the books while I helped other students. When you retired we would visit go shopping, talk on the phone for hours. I will miss you dearly. Paul I’m sorry for you loss & the family prayers for all of you love to all.
Theresa Flatau
What an honor it has been to know and work with such a beautiful soul on earth. Shirley has touched so many lives and will be remembered fondly. May your sadness soon be replaced with loving memories. Wishing you peace in your time of sorrow.
Sharon Voss
Sweet Shirley, how you will be missed! My heartfelt sympathies and prayers for Mr. Glaze, Paul, Kim, Kathy, Carlin and all nieces, nephews and other dear family members. I’m keeping y’all close to my heart in thoughts and prayers
Nancy and Bill Hale
I had the privilege of teaching with Shirley at Dishman Elementary. She was always friendly and had a smile on her face. I pray for her family at this sad time
Samantha Davis Sefert
"Aunt" Shirley was one of my mom's dearest friends when I was growing up. She took me & my sister, Sabrina, in as part of her niece/nephew crew. I still remember the sleepovers we had at her house, with movies, candy, and popcorn. She was one of the kindest people I've known, and she will be dearly missed. Our thoughts go out to Paul and the rest of her family during this time. -Brenda, Sabrina, & Samantha
Debbie Kucera Overstreet
To the Glaze Family, I’’m so sorry to hear about Shirley. We were neighbors for a long time on Park Street. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.