Shirley Ann (Hector) Dial

Shirley Ann (Hector) Dial, 77, of Beeville, Texas passed away peacefully on the morning of April 1, 2024. In her words, “I want to go see Jesus.” She also commented, “I wonder what heaven will be like” and “I am looking forward to a family reunion.”

Shirley was born on March 23, 1947, to the late Ernest W. and Bertha (Upchurch) Hector in Bee County. She was the youngest of six children. She accepted the salvation of Christ at an early age and remained a devoted and active Christian for the rest of her life. Shirley was a gifted pianist and her playing was requested frequently. She worked at the local Beeville Hospital for 42 years under several different owners, administrations and hospital names. She then worked another three years at STCH Ministries in the business office.

Shirley married Jackie Winston Dial on August 20, 1965, and they have one son, Slade Winston Dial.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ernest T. “Sonny” Hector and Freddie Hector; her sisters, Margie (Hector) Billings and Bertha Jean (Hector) Holubec.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jack; her brother, Eddie Hector; her son, Slade (Lesle) Dial and their three daughters Britni Anne (Dial) Royce, Carissa Gayle (Abel) Calderon and Shiloh Winston (Thomas) Brackett. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Archer, Peyton, Kaedyn, Brogan, Jadyn, Courtney, Loraleigh and Adalae; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition, she will be greatly missed by her cat companions, Ryder, Sadie and Suzie Q.

Shirley was one of the sweetest, kindest, loveliest ladies you could ever meet. Everyone loved her smile.

The condolences received by the family included many comments on her gracious nature. She fought a long and valiant fight against cancer and in the end, her healing came through the arms of Christ. God blessed her last week with a clear mind and strong health to say goodbye to her family and friends. She had each of her grand and great-grandchildren individually promise that someday they would meet her in heaven. That was her prayer and request for everyone she spoke to near the end.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at DeTar Navarro and Dornburg Center of Compassion-Hospice of South Texas for the care they provided over the last two months, with a special thank you to Larry at DeTar. He was such a blessing to our family and we will never forget him.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home with the funeral service at 11 o’clock that morning with Rev. Greg Traylor and Rev. Mark Spaniel officiating.

A private family graveside service will follow.

Pallbearers will be Mike Amador, Kerry Pople, Clint Elliott, Vic Barris, Doug Culli and Rudy Martisek.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the building fund of First Baptist Church, Beeville, or a charity of your choice.