Shirley Willine Watson April 12, 1937 - September 23, 2025

Shirley Willine Watson

April 12, 1937 – September 23, 2025

Shirley Willine (Walker) Watson passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, in Denair, California. She was born in Littlefield, Texas, in 1937 to Willie and Mae Walker and was the youngest of eleven children.

Throughout her life, Shirley lived in several different states before settling in Turlock, California in 2000. She worked as a waitress at Latif’s Restaurant, where she formed lasting friendships and, most importantly, met her companion, Gary Doerksen. In 2004, she moved to Denair to share her life with Gary, where together they created many cherished memories.

Shirley is survived by her loving companion, Gary Doerksen; her daughter, Cheryl Corley of Maryville, Tennessee; her grandchildren, along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jean Gilliam of Washington. She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Williams, and nine siblings.

Private services will be held in her honor.