Shirley Taylor Whitson

Shirley Taylor Whitson (née Ruffin), age 85, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, in McKinney, Texas. Born on October 24, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, Shirley lived a life marked by grace, resilience, and deep devotion and commitment to her family and her faith.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Dale Whitson (2013); son, Mark David Taylor (2023); and granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth (2011). She is survived by daughter, Stephanie Taylor Gilliland (Patrick) of McKinney, Texas; sister Jackie Arrington of Dallas, Texas; sister Ginger Cofer (David) of Dallas, TX, and numerous treasured nieces and nephews.

Shirley's inner strength and gentle spirit were the qualities that endeared her to all she knew. She greeted everyone with her one-of-a-kind, warm smile and bright green eyes, and you instantly knew you were welcome, seen, and cherished.

With a timeless sense of style and grace, she poured her warmth and creativity into everything she touched, from the welcoming homes she lovingly decorated to the beautiful gardens she cultivated and tended throughout her life. A true Texan at heart, she never turned down a good hamburger, a cup of coffee and homemade pie, or a generous plate of biscuits and gravy.

Shirley loved bright colors, big windows and sunny spaces, flowers of all kinds, and simply being outdoors. She found great joy in attending events, festivals and concerts, especially those featuring rock or blues artists; music was something she truly enjoyed conversing about.

Some of her great loves included watching sports with her husband and son (golf, tennis, and football being particular favorites), attending events with family, traveling anywhere, shopping, or simply being present wherever and whenever loved ones gathered. Her loving, easy presence had a way of making any place feel like home. Always ready to hear about you and your life adventures, Shirley responded with thoughtful insight and wisdom; you just knew she understood you.

Shirley's family and friends will forever remember her sweet and sincere nature, her gentle temperament, and the quiet inner strength that carried her through life's joys and sorrows. May her memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who loved her and may the peace she now knows bring solace to the hearts she leaves behind. We know she is at rest with her Savior and reunited with those who have gone on before her.

For three years, the caregivers at Hidden Springs Assisted Living and Arcy Hospice provided devoted, loving care to Shirley, and in doing so became part of Shirley's extended family. Stephanie and Patrick remain deeply grateful for this extraordinary gift.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, January 3 at Hidden Springs, 6421 McKinney Ranch Parkway, McKinney, TX at 10:00 am. A brief period of visitation will begin at 9:30 am, and a light reception at Hidden Springs will follow the service.