Shirley Lee Walters

9/9/1939 – 9/17/2021

Shirley Lee Admire Walters passed away in Norman, Oklahoma on the morning of September 17, 2021 at the age of 82. Her daughter and son were at her side, and she was at peace.

Shirley was born on September 9, 1939, in Council Hill, Oklahoma, a small town in Muskogee County with less than 200 residents at the time, to Joe R. and Viola Mae Admire. Shirley grew up and lived most of her life in Muskogee, OK. She moved to Norman, OK in 2006, shortly after the birth of her first grandchild, to take on the role of Nana, which was her greatest joy in life.

Shirley graduated from Muskogee Central High School in 1958, where she was a staffer on the school newspaper (The Scout), and member of Future Homemakers of America, Pep Club, and Glee Club. She kept in close touch with many of her classmates until her most recent illness. She was thrilled to get a chance to reconnect with many of them at their 60th reunion in Muskogee in 2018, and spoke about the occasion often.

Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Gene Walters, on December 30, 1958 in Stigler, OK and the two made a home in Muskogee. She was active in the Women’s Auxiliary of Bethel Baptist Church. Shirley and Gene had a daughter, Darla, and a son, Darrin.

Shirley worked a variety of jobs, typically in service to others in one way or another. She enjoyed caring for others and had a gift for doing so with compassion and empathy. Her infectious smile and positive attitude brought joy to people who needed it. She was known as someone who always had a kind word and a compliment. She was grateful for and effusive to anyone and everyone she met. Throughout her life she also cared closely for her mother, and by doing so instilled the principles of thoughtfulness and nurturing that her daughter Darla carried on by caring for her just as closely and compassionately.

Shirley retired in 2000, following an illness and major surgery. She was resilient, strong-willed, and grateful for being a 21-year- lung cancer survivor. She wanted everyone to know that was also a proud Democrat and OU Sooner fan.

Shirley was a devout Christian but also progressive in her beliefs. Shirley set an example for others to follow; she provided the support and compassion, but also space and independence. Shirley lived by the Golden Rule and loved everyone in the example that her savior Jesus Christ exemplified. Despite many hardships, she always referred to herself as “very blessed.”

Shirley was a friend to everyone she met and cared deeply about each person who knew her. She asked little of anyone but was willing to give anything to the people she loved, especially her family. Her family will miss her smile, her gentle hugs, and her continual encouragement. She prayed their health and happiness every day.

More than anything else, Shirley loved being called “Nana” by her grandchildren, Jack and Alice. Next to their parents, she was their most primary caregiver, spending countless hours of time with them whenever she could. She loved being with them and never missed an opportunity to care for them.

Shirley is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Darla and Jimmy Watkins, of Hartshorn, OK, her son and daughter-in-law, Darrin and Jennifer Walters and their children Jack and Alice, of Norman, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Henry Moran of Muskogee, and brother Joe Admire of Catoosa, along with many other relatives, countless friends, and acquaintances.