Celebrating a Life and Legacy of Love
Shirley began her life as Shirley Virginia Taylor on March 4, 1039, in Bristow, Oklahoma as the second child born to Hattie and Archie Taylor.
Shirley professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Pilgram Baptist Church (Bristow). As a youth, she served in a number of leadership roles, the most notable being the church pianist. Through the seasons of her life, she maintained faith in God and exemplified His character as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Shirley graduated from Bristow’s Lincoln High School in 1957 having excelled academically with an emphasis in music, and she participated in the pep squad. While a member of the Creek County 4-H Club, her impressive projects won her a trip to Washington, D.C. That trip made her the first person in the family to take an airplane ride.
Shirley attended Langston University and graduated in May 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. Her outstanding character and exemplary talent in music earned her the coveted crown and title of Miss Langston University during her senior year.
Shirley united in holy matrimony on June 25, 1961, to Bobby R. Walton, just one month after her college graduation. To their union, two children were born, Syrita LaSheryl and Keith Delwin. After several years of marriage and Bobby’s retirement from the military, they relocated to Midwest City, Oklahoma to lay a foundation for their legacy; a legacy that included sixty-two years of marriage until Bobby’s passing in 2023.
Shirley was a conscientious employee with the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Corporation and served in various departments until she retired. Still energetic, upon retirement she became a counselor at Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Shirley had a keen interest in wrestling, initially in support of the involvement of Keith and Bobby. In 1975, she began participation with the Oklahoma City Athletic Club, in 1978 with the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), and in 1988 she became a registered Pairing official by USA Wrestling. She received the Ivan Olsen Award in 1990 for her pairing abilities; was honored as the Pairing Official of the Year in 2006; and was ceremoniously inducted into the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010.
Shirley was an active participant in the Adult Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, Midwest City, Oklahoma, where she and Bobby worshipped during their final years. She also participated in the Grief Class and other senior-related ministries.
Shirley was the matriarch of the Jefferson and Margaret Wright legacy and generously shared her wisdom with the family, gently and lovingly. Never forcing her view on others, she was an encourager, a peacekeeper, a writer of notes in greeting cards and on newspaper clippings, and a great cook, especially homemade dinner rolls. She enjoyed playing the piano, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Shirley leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Syrita Ford (Rodney) of Brandon, FL; son, Keith Walton of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Nathaniel Ford and Paisley Michaud (Rony), both of Brandon, FL, Zachary Walton and Gabriella Walton, both of Phoenix, AZ; three great-grandchildren, Noah Ford of Tallahassee, FL, Remi Michaud and Phaith Michaud, both of Brandon, FL; one brother, Claude Taylor, Sr (Angie) of Tulsa, OK; four nieces, Andrea Taylor of Wichita, KS, Lateisha Cann (Donnells) of Haughton, LA, Nyisha Taylor and Tashia Taylor, both of Tulsa, OK; three nephews, Claude Taylor, Jr. (Hailee) of Owasso, OK, Carlos Taylor and Corey Taylor, both of Tulsa, OK; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Shirley departed this life to be with our LORD on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Jefferson and Margaret Wright; parents, Archie and Hattie Taylor; husband, Bobby Walton; and sisters, LaVern Taylor and Mary Taylor. And with boundless joy, we will see her when we get there.
A visitation for Shirley will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunny Lane Funeral Home, 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Midwest City, 705 E Rickenbacker Dr, Midwest City, OK 73110.
Shirley will be laid to rest in Sunny Lane Cemetery, 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115-2640.
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