Shirley Moates

She was a loving and devoted wife, and a nurturing mother to her three children. Shirley and Bill built a life filled with deep love, strong faith, and the constant presence of God. She was the first in her immediate and extended family to love Jesus and surrender her life to Him. She shared that with her husband, children, parents, siblings and all her family will all be reunited with her in Heaven one day.

A life-long cosmetologist from the age of sixteen, Shirley created beauty in every life she touched. Her walk with God was unwavering. She lived each day with grace, kindness, strength, and faith. Family was her greatest joy and her life’s singular work. Her legacy lives on in her children and their families. Her feet never touched the ground, as the song says, “She’s an Eagle when she flies”.

Shirley is survived her three children, William Moates Jr., (Rebecca), Kimberly Cox (Brandon), and John Moates (Vanessa); and seven grandchildren, James, Ethan, Noelle, Will, Samuel, Lila, Kate. She loved her children and grandchildren with a beautiful and fierce love.

She also leaves behind her brothers, Danny and Bill Dillard, and many cousins and extended family members who loved her.

On Valentine’s Day, Shirley left this world to be with her Savior and her husband. They were, and will be, forever inseparable.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, Marjorie and Alfred Dillard; her dear brother, Wayne; her beloved sisters, Donna and Deborah; and her precious grandchild, Andrew.

Visitation will be Monday, February 16, 2026, from 5 - 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.

Graveside Service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, at Fort Smith National Cemetery.