Shirley A. Walters

Shirley Ann Walters, 83, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on November 23, 2024, following a period of living with dementia. 

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, located at 6101 Bosque Blvd in Waco. 

Shirley was born on January 6, 1941, in Galveston, Texas, to August and Alline Pederson. She was raised in Waco, where she graduated from Waco High School and attended MCC. In September 1960, she married Arthur Peevey, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kimberly. Later in life, Shirley married Terry Walters on March 16, 1984. 

Shirley's career was as diverse as her interests. She worked as a credit manager, banking associate, and eventually retired as a teacher's aide at Viking Hills Elementary. Known for her love of cooking, Shirley took great joy in preparing holiday dishes, especially her signature homemade mac and cheese, banana pudding, and chicken spaghetti. 

Her creativity extended to crafting stuffed bears, and she was rarely without her favorite Diet Pepsi in hand. Shirley had a special love for animals, particularly the many cats she cared for over the years. Above all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, Mariah and Hunter, who were the light of her life. 

Shirley enjoyed spending her time watching Impractical Jokers and Texas Rangers games, playing bingo at daycare, and dancing. She was a member of St. John's Methodist Church and will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and the joy she brought to those around her. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Terry Walters. 

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Zapata and husband, Amador; her granddaughter, Mariah Solano; her grandson, Hunter Solano; her brother, Otto Caldwell Jr. and wife, Mollie; her brother, Travis Pederson and wife, Carol; her sister, Georgia Beard; her stepson, Lance Walters and wife, Yvette; her stepdaughter, Leslie Morley and husband, Dave; her step-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family extends their thanks to Harbor Hospice, Friends for Life, and all the caregivers who provided support. 

In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Shirley Walters to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate/. 

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in Shirley’s "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com. 

Rest in peace, Mom. We love you.