May 10, 1935 – January 18, 2021
Shirley Jane Cawthorne passed away at her home on January 18, 2021, at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving children. Shirley was the daughter of David and Kathryn Evans and was married to John “Jack” William Cawthorne for 49 years, until his death in 2008.
Jack and Shirley had six children, Lisa Craft of Columbia, South Carolina, Ellyn (Scott) Rembert of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jennifer (Todd) White of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Robin Maraist of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Patrick Cawthorne of Mansfield, Texas. Her son Thomas Moore Cawthorne died shortly after his birth.
Shirley was a loving sister to her siblings Jerry Evans, Maryann Evans, Paul (Lillian “Rae”) Evans, Kathryn (Kitty) England, who preceded her in death, and Margaret “Peggy” (Hugh “Hugger”) Keogh of Richmond, Virginia.
The joy of her life was being a devoted “Nanny” to her 13 grandchildren, and 6 Great Grandchildren. Grandchildren Jarrod and Max Craft, Skyler and Heather Rembert, Megan, Ashley and Todd White Jr, Christopher, Michael, and Kathryn Maraist, Tyler, Sean and Hailey Cawthorne. Great Grand Children Jayda Craft, Cannon Craft, Harper Welch, Oaklee Bryant, Benjamin and, Brady White (due in May).
Shirley was a talented artist and took great pleasure in attending art shows and portrait groups at the Corpus Christi Art Center where her paintings won numerous awards. She formed many treasured friendships with all the members of her portrait group. She also mastered her poker face with her Friday night poker group and cultivated her love for reading with her book group.
Over the years she held many fascinating jobs. One of her favorite places to work was KAYD radio station in Beaumont, Texas. While employed there, she met one of her favorite country artists, Charlie Pride, who also owned the station. Shirley had a knack for advertising and writing which benefitted her in her position at the Texas Nature Conservancy, here in Corpus Christi.
In her final years she took pride in serving her community as the president of the Foxfire Condominiums Homeowners’ Association.
Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, 7634 Wooldridge Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78414 on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
A Livestream will be available and encouraged due to Covid restrictions. Services will be livestreamed at www.memorygardensfuneralhome.com
