PAXTON – Shirlene M. White, 63, of Paxton passed away at 6:58 a.m. Sunday (March 30, 2008) at the Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2008, at the Evangelical Church, 260 S. Union Street, Paxton. Rev. James R. Ecklund will officiate. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ford-Baier Funeral Home, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton, and at the church at 10 a.m. Thursday, one hour before the service.
Mrs. White was born Aug. 22, 1944, at Ft. Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County, the daughter of Benjamin A. and Kathryn M. Shelton Latham. She married Charles Q. White July 7, 1977, at Marshall. He survives. Also surviving are one son, Kenneth J. (Lisa) White of Urbana; four daughters, Stephanie M. Hodges of Erlanger, Ky., Julie R. (Ken) Buenting of Gifford, Sherry White of Chenoa, Kathleen M. (Jeff) Blackford of Paxton; 16 grandchildren (1 grandson is currently serving with the military in Iraq); two sisters, Donna Murphy of Grand Island, Neb., Tamela Smith of Golden, Colo.; and her beloved dogs, Sam-E and Sally, and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William Latham.
Mrs. White graduated from Tech High School, Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1961. She retired from the Ford County state's attorneys office in 2004 after 19 years of employment. She was the Ford County Victim Witness Coordinator. She was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton. She and her husband moved to Paxton from Texas in August 1977. She enjoyed cooking, was very talented in sewing, painting, enjoyed traveling and mainly spending time with her grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church or a charity of the donor's choice.
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Kelly Jolkowski
April 18, 2008
Shirlene was my aunt. Even though we lived far from each other, and only were able to visit once every 5 years or so, I remembered every moment of that precious time together. Shirlene always had a smile on her face and an interesting story. She laughed with ease, and it was clear how much love she had for life and those around her. She was one of those special people, whom even though you hadn't seen her for awhile, you could very quickly pick up where you left off, not unlike close childhood friends. I miss her already, and was blessed to have her in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

My cherished last photo with my Sis. 04/14/07
Donna Murphy
April 15, 2008
Those we love don't go away,
they walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed, still very dear.
I love you,
Your sister Donna
Julie (White)Buenting
April 8, 2008
Thanks to all who have left such wonderful words and memories of my mom. She was indeed an amazing person. My mom is smiling down at all of us enjoying a game of cards and a glass of ice cold Texas sweet tea with her heavenly family. Thanks for all your prayers...our family has definately felt every last one of them.
Lynne Lindsey
April 3, 2008
I am going to miss very much Shirlene's long and chatty emails. I always felt I was right there with her experiencing her activities.
Aunt Lynne in Texas
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Fred, Lisa, Brandon, & Ben Magers
April 3, 2008
Cherish the memories and they will get you through this very difficult time. It's never easy, but time will heal the pain. Shirlene was a great person and one that everyone enjoyed talking to. The smiles and laughs will be missed. We'll keep all of you in our hearts and prayers that God will help ease your suffering and guide you through. If ever you need a friend, don't hesitate to call on us.
Debbie Ackerman
April 2, 2008
Julie ~ No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
Whenever I walked into a sporting event and saw your mother, the smile on her face instantly put one on mine. I loved visiting with her. She was such a joy and I loved listening to her southern drawl. I still chuckle at her 4-wheeler stories she shared with me when I had the privilege to visit with her at the v-ball tourney this past fall in Paxton. She loved her grandchildren and was very proud of them. May God continue to comfort you in the weeks/months to come, but may you have joy in your heart from the memories your mother has left behind. In God's Love - Deb
The Perrys
April 2, 2008
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We pray that God will provide his loving comfort during this time of mourning.
Janet Drew-Swan (Grigalunas)
April 2, 2008
I was so saddened to hear of Shirleen's passing. I did Shirleen's hair for several year's and always enjoyed our "visit's". God bless you and your entire family during this time of sorrow.
Carl Wegel
April 1, 2008
Julie, I am so sorry you lost your mom. I can only imagine what she was like, since you are so outgoing, fun and gracious. Your life will continue to be a tribute to your mom and the love she poured into it as you were growing up. I understand from Ken that you also had a wonderful relationship with your mom as an adult - always good friends. Your mom most certainly was a very special woman.
Steve & Debbie Mast
April 1, 2008
Even with God's arm around you the loss of a loved one is painful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your happy memories outweigh your sorrow.
Darwin and Cheryl Roy
April 1, 2008
To the White family, we are one of many who were touched by Shirlene's wonderful attitude and inspirational nature...anyone who came through the courthouse doors for whatever reason to the State's Attorney's office, was touched by her... she will be missed but not forgotten...
Raymond Hosman
April 1, 2008
Shirlene helped guide me through a very difficult time. I can truly say I am a much better person having had the pleasure of calling her a friend. She will be deeply missed.
God Bless Charlie and his family.
Julie Burgess
March 31, 2008
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Shirlene was a wonderful person. Always a smile on her face no matter what, always a kind word to someone. She will always be missed.
Ellen Lee
March 31, 2008
What a joy it was to work with and know Shirlene. Even when things were tense or tough at the SA's office, she was cool & in control and that Texas twang could still put a smile on your face whatever h___ was breaking loose. Our loss, heaven's gain!
Tony & Ellen Lee & family
Tadd Ostendorf
March 31, 2008
So sorry for your loss.
Tadd & Jan
Pam Lewis
March 31, 2008
Shirlene was always upbeat and positive. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. God bless.
The Gradys
March 31, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Bonnie Hull
March 31, 2008
Shirlene how I will miss your friendship - we had some good times in the hallways of the Ford County Courthouse. My thoughts go out to Charles and your family; when I think of you a smile will always follow. Friends, Bonnie Hull & family
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