A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at West Oaks Funeral Home Chapel with Charles Moore and Ashley Washburn officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park with Scott Washburn, Cameron Warren, Johnny Cross, Red Cross, Larry Hall, Ed Pingel, Leland Long and Mikel Long serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is James Cross. Shirley passed away at home on January 3, 2024.
Shirley Sue Hall or “Gran” as many called her, was born January 16, 1936 in Montague County, Texas, the oldest of three daughters born to O.B. And Stella Veretto Hall. Her family moved to West Texas to find work during the Depression when she was an infant. In 1951, Shirley’s dad came to East Texas in search of land. He purchased 78 acres in Sulphur Springs where Gran lived until her death. On her first day of school she met the love of her life, Leon Nix, on the school bus. She thought he was so handsome. They were inseparable from that day on.
After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School in 1953, she and Leon were married on July 3, 1953 at Calvary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Leon was drafted into the army in 1954 and during his service they were stationed in Salzburg, Austria and Alexandria, Virginia. They returned back to Sulphur Springs in 1956 and started their family. Their first child, Tony, was born in 1957 and four years later their family was complete with the birth of their daughter, Robin. During their childhood and for the rest of her life, Shirley’s main focus was her family. While living in Cartersville, Georgia and in Sulphur Springs she was the ultimate mom. She was a PTA mom, football mom, cheer mom, HKK mom and a second mom to so many. She was thrilled to continue with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved all of her children’s and grandchildren’s friends and added all to her long list of kids she claimed. Her family was her pride and joy.
Shirley worked for many years as the office manager at Jim Master’s Western Store. She loved working with the public. Many of her co-workers became more of her “kids” and she loved them all.
Born and raised Baptists, Shirley and Leon began attending First Presbyterian Church with their dear friends James and Mildred Cross and where their friend
Charles Moore was the pastor. Shirley remained active until she was no longer able to drive.
Gran loved her Texas Rangers. Everyone knew not to call during a game because she was too busy. She kept their schedule next to her chair so she wouldn’t miss a game. Everyone was so excited that she was able to see her Rangers win the World Series.
Shirley leaves behind her beloved family: son, Tony Nix and wife Debbie of Sulphur Springs; daughter, Robin Steed of Sulphur Springs; grandchildren, Ashley Washburn and husband Scott of Sulphur Springs; Amber Warren and husband Cameron of Sulphur Springs; Brian Nix and wife Bailey of Chandler; great-granddaughters, Sara Washburn of Sulphur Springs; Aubrey Warren of Sulphur Springs; Blaire Nix of Chandler; Sydney Washburn of Waco and Sadie Washburn of Dallas; sister, Wanda Long of Amarillo; sister-in-law Frances Orr of Glencoe, Alabama and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Heritage Hospice, Patricia Morgan and Lauren Lewellyn for the loving care shown to our sweet Mother and Gran.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Gideons International or the charity of your choice.
