Shirley Robinson

1942 - 2024

Shirley Robinson, 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:05 pm on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the hospital in Houston, Texas. She was born to the late Walter "Pete" and Wilma Kessinger on Thursday, January 22, 1942.

In 1960, Shirley graduated from Oak Hill High School in Sweetser, Indiana. Later that year, she went on to marry her true love, Derrill "Mack" Robinson, and they had three loving children. Even though Mack's work took them to Houston, Texas, Shirley always longed to be back home again in Indiana.

Shirley was a stay-at-home mom and a childcare giver to over 50 children throughout the years. She loved playing cards, crocheting, listening to gospel music, giving advice to everyone who needed it, and watching her favorite TV programs, especially Days of Our Lives, The Grand Ole Opry, Wheel of Fortune, and NASCAR. In her later years, she became an avid Houston Astros fan, watching every game she could.

The last three years of Shirley's life, she was a resident of Cypress Point Health and Wellness Center. She made friends with many of the residents there, including Ms. Anna and Ms. Clara. She also became "Mom" to her favorite nurses, Yammy, CJ, and Ryan. Her monthly highlight was being able to watch the "Gator Boys" when they came to the facility to sing for the residents. She even wrote parodies for the boys to sing. Over the past three years, she had made over 700 Octopi that were handed out to residents, employees, employees' families, churches, children's hospitals, and other facilities. She was very proud about them being shipped all over the world. She was known as the "octopus lady".

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Derrill "Mack" Robinson; four brothers, George, Mike, Lloyd, and Bill Kessinger; three sisters, Lois Patuzzi, Beth Dials, and Katie Hayes; and "son-like nephew", Mackie Buckler.

She is survived by her three loving children, Judi (James) Martin of Houston, TX, Rick (Susan) Robinson of Moore, OK, and Jodi (Calvin) Knapp of Houston TX; "daughter-like niece", Kay Buckler; 13 grandchildren, Amber (Matthew) Bailey, Zach Martin, Maxwell Martin, Chris Robinson, Chelsey (Ronnie) Hayes, Lacee (Dustin) Sutton, Rikee Robinson, Huston Robinson, Calvin (Kelly) Knapp, Josh (Lynn) Knapp, and Kelly Thomas; 15 great-grandchildren, Anderson, Alexis, Cameron, Royal, Cole, Cade, Jackson, Emma, Axel, Oakley, Hatcher, Dylan, Dustin, Lincoln, and "Baby Biscuit" (coming the summer of 2024); sister, Becky Creech; brother, Dave Kessinger; sister-in-law, Carole Kessinger; brother-in-law, William Patuzzi; and many nieces, nephews, and "adopted" grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Shirley's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Pastor Tom Mansbarger will be officiating with burial taking place at Grant Memorial Park.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.