Shirley Stokes

A graveside service for Shirley Ann (Whitling) Stokes, 89, of Odessa, Texas will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 19, 2025 in DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas with Chaplain Eddy Carrell officiating. Memorial service will be held, 10:30 AM, Monday, December 22, 2025 at Asbury Methodist Church in Odessa, Texas. Reverend Kevin Bushart will officiate. To honor the life and legacy of Shirley Stokes the family request in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the American Cancer Society-Permian Basin. Contributions may be mailed to SK: TSDWPU, P.O. Box 80323, Midland, Texas 79708 or made online at permiancbb.givesmart.com 

Shirley passed away December 10, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born January 2, 1936, in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, the youngest of 14 children. From the very beginning, family was at the center of her world. Shirley met the love of her life W.C. "Dub" Stokes or as she lovingly called him "Babe". They were married September 9, 1955 in Jal, New Mexico Shirley spent her life lifting up those she loved cheering from the stands at her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, sharing in their joys, and celebrating every milestone. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement, pride, and unconditional love. A talented and passionate singer, Shirley was a longtime member of the Prairie Winds Sweet Adelines group in Lubbock, where she found friendship, harmony, and an outlet for her vibrant spirit. She also embraced the many moves her husband, Dub made during his 40 year career with El Paso Natural Gas. With each relocation, she brought grace, strength, and the ability to make any place feel like home. She was an active member of Asbury Methodist Church in Odessa. Shirley was passionate about dachshunds and loved many of them over the years. Shirley was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering on her team with enthusiasm and loyalty, season after season. 

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, W.C. "Dub" Stokes, parents, Percey L. and Gertrude L. (Wassum) Whitling; siblings, Georgia, Maxine, Harold, Buster, Lois, Don, Alan, Jack, Peg and four infant siblings. 

Shirley is survived by her sons, Brian Stokes, and wife Debbie, Eric Stokes and wife Patti; grandchildren, Nikki Springer and husband J.T., Zachary Stokes and wife Kasey, Ashley Reyes and husband Jaime, Morgan Stokes and fiancé Justin Long, great-grandchildren, Parker Jordan, Hadley Springer, Hudson Springer, Maverick Stokes and Mason Stokes. 

Shirley’s legacy is one of devotion, resilience, and a life lived with wholehearted love. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.