Shirley Jean Fairchild's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley Jean Fairchild (née Whitaker), on October 15, 2024 at the age of 74.
Shirley was born on January 31, 1950 in Wills Point, Texas to Jean and Edward Whitaker. Because of her father’s job, her formative years were exciting, having grown up in places like Geneva, Switzerland and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She ultimately graduated from Richardson High School in Richardson, Texas in 1968. Throughout her life, she worked as an administrative professional at a variety of businesses in the Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona areas. However, her greatest joy and most cherished role was being a devoted mother to her children, Geoffrey and Brittany.
Known for her unyielding love and endless dreams for both herself and those she adored, Shirley touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a passion for gardening and cooking, and she particularly loved the holidays. A constant in her life was animals – she loved them all! Her pet legacy included numerous dogs, cats, and even birds and a tortoise. Her home was filled with warmth, love, wagging tails, and the smells of a delicious meal in the oven. She will be remembered for her unwavering support and love for her children.
Shirley is survived by her children, Geoffrey Fairchild and Brittany Haddix, their spouses, Genevieve Fairchild and Kyle Haddix, her grandchildren, Nora Haddix, Jack Haddix, and Wren Fairchild, her siblings, Buddy Whitaker, Billy Whitaker, Susie Peterson and Chris Houser, and her stepfather, Glenn Houser. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Edward Whitaker.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Shirley will be held on November 22, 2024 at 10am at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter in Carrolton, Texas whose mission she deeply valued.
We will forever treasure the memories we shared with our mother, and we will keep her legacy alive by sharing pictures and stories with her grandchildren. Her love will continue to guide us every day.
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Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
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