Shirley A Patterson

Shirley Ann (Parsons) Patterson was born on November 9th, 1939, in Wenatchee, Washington, to William (Bill) and Pearl Parsons. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Corinth, Mississippi, where she attended elementary school. The family lived in Farmington and Portales, New Mexico, before settling in Lovington, New Mexico, where she would graduate from Lovington High School. Shirley was an excellent student who excelled in all her endeavors. She had high expectations for a big career, some of those changed when she met this young man from Benton, Arkansas, named Cecil Patterson. She really didn't see much in him the first time they met, but on their second meeting, she fell head over heels in love with him! She described him as having "coal-black hair, beautiful brown eyes, and a wonderful sense of humor". After dating for almost a year, they were united in marriage on November 18, 1958, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They enjoyed 67 years of matrimony. Shirley was a part of the family at Neal and Neal Attorney at Law for 20 years. She was an avid reader and loved to do crossword puzzles and play solitaire. Shirley was known for her warm heart, her unwavering kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. Her love and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Most of their married life was spent in Lovington and Hobbs, New Mexico, where they raised their three wonderful children: Steve, Dwayne, and Brenda. She loved her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She was so proud of all their accomplishments. Shirley would always say, "God blessed me with the best children in the world." In 2020, they moved to the lovely community of Winters, Texas, to be closer to their children. They fell in love with the church and the community, where they were welcomed with open arms. On January 10, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, Shirley Patterson caught the heaven-bound train and rode peacefully into the arms of her Savior. She was welcomed by family and friends who had already made their journey. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Don and Darlene. She is survived by her husband Cecil, her two sons Steve and his wife Sabra, Cecil Dwayne and his wife Virginia, and her daughter, Brenda and her husband David; 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 sisters: Sue Crowder, Joy Brown, Lorraine Noack, and 1 brother: David Parsons. She also has two sisters-in-law, Gilda Parsons and Mary Parsons. The family will receive friends on January 12th at Winters Funeral Home in Winters, Texas at 6:00 PM (CST). The celebration of her life will take place on January 13th at the First Baptist Church in Winters, Texas at 11:00 AM (CST). Interment will be at the Lovington City Cemetery, 600 E Gum Ave, Lovington, NM, on January 14th at 1:00 PM (MST). Shirley was a beautiful lady, both inside and out, who always had a smile on her face. She was a woman of faith who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. She will be missed but never forgotten, and our faith assures us that "We Will See Her Again!" Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church in Winters, Texas, or to Meals on Wheels, who so faithfully delivered meals to their home.

Shirley A Patterson

November 9, 1939 - January 10, 2026