A proud graduate of Austin High School, Shirley married the love of her life, Harvey Leon Watkins, on October 4, 1953. Together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until Leon’s passing on July 17, 2000. As an Air Force wife, Shirley faced every challenge with grace and resilience, creating a loving and stable home through frequent moves and the demands of military life.
Shirley was the devoted mother of five children — two sons and three daughters — and the proud grandmother and great-grandmother of many. Her family was her greatest joy and lifelong purpose. She was a master at the most difficult and important jobs — those of wife and mother — balancing love, strength, and humor in all she did.
Her warmth, quiet wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family will forever be remembered and cherished.
Service will be held to honor Shirley’s life and legacy.
