Maridelle Shirley, a longtime resident of East Texas and a dedicated healthcare professional, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Legacy at Town Creek in Palestine, Texas. She was 67 years old. Shirley’s life was marked by service to others, both through her career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and her active involvement in community organizations like the Eastern Star. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of her family, friends, and the communities she touched.
Born on April 15, 1958, in Baytown, Texas, to Jimmie Maurice Shirley and Lurlene Brinson Shirley, Maridelle Shirley dedicated her professional life to nursing after completing her education. For many years, she provided compassionate care as an LVN, a role that reflected her inherent desire to help those in require. Beyond her professional commitments, Shirley was deeply involved in the Order of the Eastern Star, a fraternal organization with a focus on charity, truth, and kindness. She held the position of Past Worthy Matron of the Grapeland chapter and remained an active member of the Palestine #395 and Crockett #509 chapters.
A Life of Service and Community Involvement
Shirley’s dedication to the Eastern Star demonstrates a commitment to principles of personal growth and service. The organization, rooted in Masonic tradition, emphasizes moral and ethical conduct, and Shirley’s leadership as Past Worthy Matron suggests a respected position within the Grapeland chapter. Her continued membership in multiple chapters – Palestine and Crockett – highlights her sustained involvement and the value she placed on the organization’s mission. The Eastern Star’s focus on charitable work likely resonated with Shirley’s own compassionate nature, as evidenced by her career in nursing.
Her family remembers her as a caring and devoted individual. She is survived by her sister, Sandra Woolsey of Grapeland; her uncle and aunt, Maurice and Cora Brinson of Highlands; and a wide circle of cousins including Chris and Anna Brinson of Dayton, Stephanie Brinson of Chicago, Illinois, Dale Simmons and David Straubinger of Indianapolis, Indiana, Cecil Enloe of Pasadena, and Geneva Lanier McKinley and Albert McKinley of Glendale. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews: Terre Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio, Angie Jones-Gray of Pasadena, Jamie Harris and Michael Harris of Elkhart, Douglas Woolsey of Bacliff, Kimberly August of Webster, and Kelly DeGraaf and Craig DeGraaf of League City.
Remembering Those Who Came Before
Maridelle Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie Shirley and Lurlene Brinson Rich; her brother, Randall Shirley; her stepfather, Arthur Noel Rich; her maternal grandparents, Ivey and Emma Brinson; her paternal grandparents, Jim and Adele Shirley; her brother-in-law, Wayland Woolsey; and her cousin, Carroll Lanier. These familial losses undoubtedly shaped her life and underscored the importance of family connections, which she herself nurtured throughout her years.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorials
Funeral services celebrating Maridelle Shirley’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Grapeland First Methodist Church. A visitation will take place at 1:00 p.m. Prior to the service, offering an opportunity for friends and family to gather and share memories. Following the service, interment will be held at the Antrim Cemetery in Grapeland. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Antrim Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 910, Grapeland, TX 75844. This gesture would honor Shirley’s memory by supporting the preservation of a place that holds significance for her and her family. Online condolences can also be left at www.callawayallee.com.
The passing of Maridelle Shirley marks the end of a life dedicated to caring for others and contributing to her community. As her family and friends prepare to celebrate her life and lay her to rest, the focus shifts to preserving her legacy of kindness and service. The Antrim Cemetery Association will continue its work of maintaining the final resting place for Maridelle and many others in the Grapeland community. Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to contribute to this effort or share their condolences online.
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