Shirley Ruth Whitley, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday May, 7th at her beautiful house in Moody, Texas with her husband of nearly 69 years at her side. Shirley was born in Southern California to James and Charlotte Rye on June 3rd, 1930. She was the youngest of the family, having two older sisters, Betty and Dot. She graduated High School and then attended Pasadena College, now known as Point Loma Nazarene University, where she eventually met the love of her life, James (Jim) Moody Whitley, Jr.
Jim and Shirley were married in October of 1954. Per Jim, he said the minute he met her, she made his life better. They had three children; Jimmy, Cindy and Jeff. They loved the Lord and served him fervently. Shirley had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, after all she did major in music and voice in college. Shirley sang for church choirs over the years. Both Shirley and Jim served on various mission trips to Papua New Guinea to help spread the word of the Lord amongst other volunteer positions.
Shirley is survived by her husband James Moody Whitley, Jr., their two sons, Jimmy Whitley and wife Cindy Whitley of South Fork, Colorado; Jeff Whitley and wife Pan Whitley and granddaughter Sarah Whitley of Phuket, Thailand; granddaughter Candise Voss and her husband TJ (Richard) Voss and their children Brandon Voss and Xander Voss of Heber City, Utah. Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Drennan-Godfrey and granddaughter, Brittany Drennan.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to those that surrounded Jim and Shirley in love and help, especially over the last couple months. To Dan and Sharon Esqueda who visited Jim and Shirley weekly helping with groceries, errands, unwavering love and providing support in many various ways; too many to mention. John and Susie Rangel, for stopping by to visit and help with any tasks asked of them and providing unconditional love. To the Pastor and congregation of the Church of the Nazarene in Temple, Texas and their support, prayers and fellowship. The nurses and care team that provided Shirley with loving care, going over and beyond their required work.
