Shirley Ann Nichols DeWitt, 81, of China Spring, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 13, 2022 with her family by her side.
Visitation: 5 to 7PM Friday, October 21 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 2PM Saturday, October 22 at Lake Shore Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Patrick Cemetery
Shirley was born January 16, 1941 to Mac Albert Nichols and Sylvia Hortense (Linville) Nichols in Octavia, Oklahoma, raised and attended Smithville High School. She graduated early and was salutatorian of her class. Shirley was also an avid and competitive basketball player. She enjoyed reading her whole life and was very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. Shirley was also musically inclined and enjoyed playing the piano and had a beautiful voice.
She met her future husband, Dale on a church Christmas caroling excursion, where they were instantly smitten and married on April 29, 1958. They remained married for 54 years until his death in 2012. She was a homemaker most of her life and raised five children. She was affectionately known as “Memaw “not only by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, but by all who knew her.
She was a nurturing mother, grandmother and devoted wife. She was always available to her family until the end of her life. Shirley will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Her children and family describe her as a selfless angel.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 54 years, Dale DeWitt; son, Gary Scott DeWitt; daughter-in-law, Mary Jane DeWitt; grandson, Charles Scott DeWitt; and sister, Bonnie Mac Rhodes.
She is survived by her son, Randy DeWitt of China Spring; daughter, Kathi Dewitt-Perry and husband Steve of Lone Oak; son, Donny DeWitt and wife Carol of Chalk Bluff; son, Jay DeWitt and wife Jana of China Spring; grandchildren, Alisha Tagert, Natasha Glasgow, Karessa DeWitt, Bradley DeWitt, Kimmy DeWitt, Jamie Glasgow and wife Kati, Julie DeWitt, Jay DeWitt II., and Jansen DeWitt; great-grandchildren, Tristan, Peyton, Hudson, Gavin, Dallas, Bradley Jr., Dustin, and Tate; brothers, Jerry Dale Nichols and wife Myrna of Honobia, Oklahoma, and Tommy Joe Nichols and wife June of Ludlow, Oklahoma.
The family would like to thank the staff at Baylor Scott and White Continuing Care Hospital for the compassionate care of their mother Mrs. Shirley.
Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Central Texas.
“All that I am, or ever hope to be, we owe to our angel mother’”.
Abraham Lincoln
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Lord, may You be seen and glorified at this time, the celebration of Aunt Shirley’s life. Give the family and friends comfort and peace at this time of loss. In Jesus name. Amen
I’m praying and believing for peace in each of your souls. May your memories be sweet as you say ‘see ya later’.
Love and blessings,
Trena DeWitt Owens
May the Lord give you peace in knowing your beautiful Shirley is home. Smiling down on her treasures she left here. To be together one day again. Amen
Jay & Jana, and all of the Dewitt Family,
Our condolences go out to you all during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
We know that you will all miss her very much. But take strength is knowing she is now with your Dad and Brother.
Jay, Jana and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you.
Vince, Harriett and Rhonda Rostockyj
Mrs. DeWitt took care of both of my children (now 30 yrs. and 34 yrs. old) in the infant room at Lakewood Christian Church Daycare. What a blessing she was to my children and the others at the daycare. My thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of your precious mother.
Jay, Janna and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this painful loss. May your mother live among you through her sweet memories and unconditional love.
Shirley was wonderful woman and always have great advice. She will be missed deeply and always remembered and loved .