Shirley Frances Wilkins

Shirley Frances Reed Wilkins was born on May 25, 1936, at BoBo Hospital in Arlington, Texas. She grew up in Grand Prairie and lived there all her life, except for a very short time in California. Shirley couldn’t understand why anyone would want to live anywhere but Texas and especially her “beloved” Grand Prairie.

She graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1954 with many of the same classmates she had started first grade with, including lifelong friends. As an only child, Shirley was surrounded by loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who encouraged and supported her as she grew into a kind, compassionate, and loving wife, mother, and friend.

She married Billy Wilkins in 1955, and together they built a life and family during nearly 52 years of marriage. They shared a love of travel and enjoyed many unforgettable adventures together. They explored castles, cathedrals, and Stonehenge; visited Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, Rome to see the Colosseum, and Venice to experience its canals. Their travels also took them to Morocco, where they visited Casablanca and the marketplaces of Marrakech, and even to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Closer to home, they enjoyed trips to Mexico, exploring beautiful beaches and Mayan ruins.

Although Shirley loved traveling to exotic and faraway places, her heart always belonged to Texas, and she would never have been content living anywhere other than Grand Prairie.

Throughout her life, Shirley enjoyed reading, especially classic English murder mysteries, and she could always recommend a great classic movie. Though a little introverted by nature, Shirley was fiercely loyal to her family and friends, a great mom, and a quiet wicked sense of humor.

Shirley passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by her children.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Reed; her mother, Maggie Reed; and her husband, Billy Wilkins.

She is survived by her children: daughter Nikki Wilkins and son-in-law Robert Rowland; son Wayne Wilkins and daughter-in-law Sandy Wilkins; and daughter Lisa Hyde and son-in-law Jeff Hyde. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Reed Wilkins and Jake Rowland, and great-grandson Lucas Wilkins.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, warmth, and love for family will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, Shirley asked for donations to the local animal shelter of ASPCA.

The family is having a private graveside with a memorial service at her home to follow.