Shirley Wilson

Shirley Ann Wilson, 88, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.

She married Jack Hart Wilson on June 4, 1955. They were happily married for 57 years before his passing in 2012.

Shirley was born August 26, 1935, in Beaumont, Texas to Walter and Aileen Hill. She graduated from Beaumont High School at the age of 16 and continued her education at Lamar State College with a degree in Chemistry. Shirley was one of the first female chemists at Goodrich Gulf. After starting her family, she decided to continue her studies in the field of education. She received her BS in Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, teaching math, science, and computer science at the middle and high school levels. Shirley eventually received her Masters in Education at LSU. She was an awesome teacher and mentor, and very much beloved by her students and colleagues.

Shirley’s mother raised her in the Methodist faith, where she began her relationship with Jesus. When she had her two daughters, she took them to church, as well, introducing them to that same faith and love of Jesus and set an example of what it means to serve in the church. Her daughters witnessed her service as Shirley taught Sunday school, worked at VBS, went on Christian women’s retreats, and led many Bible studies. After retiring from teaching, she volunteered at Orange Christian Services and was an active member at Deweyville First United Methodist Church. Many people, especially her daughters, sought out her advice, wise words, and no-nonsense approach to life’s problems. She loved, loved each and every one of her family members, praying for them incessantly.

In 1976, Jack and Shirley moved from Beaumont to Deweyville on her late father’s land. Shirley loved watching the birds and wildlife, but she especially loved watching the bluebonnets bloom each Spring. She was very proud of her bluebonnets and loved to have friends and family over to visit and take pictures.

She is survived by her daughters, Carol Ward and husband, Ray, and Laura Lemmond and husband, Dean; grandchildren, Jackie Rathgeber and husband, Paul; Christi Maddox and husband, Heath; great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlie Rathgeber; Trevor and Kobe Maddox; nieces, Donna Lisle and husband, Steve, Karen Cutler; and her caregiver Vanessa Price. She is also survived by her loving second husband, VG Spell; son, Mike Spell; daughters, Vicki Stoy and husband, Joe, Jeanie Kreger and husband, Ken; and Deidra Spell, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Deweyville First United Methodist Church, 153 County Road 4145, Deweyville, Texas, 77614

A gathering of Mrs. Wilson’s family and friends will begin 1:00 p.m. with her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.