Shirley Ann Goodnight, 82, of Waco, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 17, 2017 under the loving care of Providence Hospice with her loving daughter, Debbie Ann Finley, at her side.
Shirley lived her life fully among her family and friends. She was a very accomplished artist and for several years taught children’s art classes at The Studio Gallery in Waco, alongside her friend, Don Magid. In her later years, she painted many primitive style pieces depicting scenes from her youth that have been sold and have spread across the country. Shirley was also a very avid antique collector and dealer. She owned her own shop for several years and operated an estate liquidation business with her daughter, Debbie.
Born with a green thumb, Shirley was a very involved horticulturist. Her yard and green house became her passion over the years. She became an expert in growing her favorite flower, the orchid. She spent many a day in her greenhouse among the beautiful array of colorful plants she loved.
Born April 12, 1935 in Waco, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Blanche Goodnight and Sarah Elizabeth Goodnight. Shirley took pride in the fact that she was a direct descendant of the last veteran of the Mexican War, Elijah Goodnight and Charles Goodnight, legendary Texan, plainsman and cowman.
She is survived by her loving brother, James Goodnight and wife, Carolyn; their daughters, Rachel and Angela; their son, James Daniel Goodnight, is waiting for Shirley, as she would say, on the other side. She is also survived by her precious daughter, Debbie Ann Finley and husband, Charles Finley of China Spring and their children, Denton Finley and wife, Lee Ann, Amy Reeves and husband, Dave, Derek Finley and wife, Holly and Clayton Finely; great-grandchildren, C.D, Andrew, Ben, Dylan, Ian and Avery. Additionally, she is survived by her loving son, Sterling Wayne Thompson of China Spring and his daughters, Lauren Tarbet and husband, Justin, Justyn Thompson; and son’s, Wyatt and Walker Thompson; and great-granddaughter, Madison.
Shirley will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was loved dearly for how she extended such kindness and sweetness to everyone she met along her life’s journey.
Graveside Memorial: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Concord Cemetery on Muehr Road in Waco.
A reception will follow at her son’s home, 467 Eagle Canyon Drive, China Spring, Texas, 76633
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