Shirley Marie Paxton

With deep love and gentle sorrow, we announce that Shirley Marie King Paxton was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 90.

Born in her family home on February 15, 1935, in West Helena, Arkansas, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Alma Ethyl Porter King and Albert Burke King. From her earliest days, her life was one of compassion, faith, and a quiet but unwavering strength.

Shirley dedicated her life to the service of others through her calling as an educator. A graduate of Central High School in West Helena, she went on to earn her teaching degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, and completed graduate studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Her 41-year teaching career touched countless lives across Abernathy ISD, Lubbock ISD, and Clear Creek ISD. Her students remember her as more than a teacher — she was a source of encouragement, kindness, and wisdom.

Shirley was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for women educators, and a faithful member of the Arlington First Church of the Nazarene. Her walk with Christ was the foundation of her life, and she served faithfully in every church she attended, including Clear Lake Church of the Nazarene, Spring Branch Church of the Nazarene, and First Church of the Nazarene in Lubbock. Her love for the Lord was evident in every word she spoke, every lesson she taught, and every act of love she gave.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don Paxton; her beloved son, James Paxton; and her dear parents. While we grieve her absence, we rejoice in her reunion with them and her Savior in eternal glory.

She is survived by her devoted children: Brenda Paxton Leferink and husband Tom, Mike Paxton and wife Kerri, and Chuck Paxton and wife Teri. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Erin, Chelsea, Michael, Derek, Jaime, Connor, Josh, Nikki, Natalie, and Blake, and her precious great-grandchildren: Aiden, Ethan, Emery, Everett, Joyce, and Rylee. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Marjorie Ethelene Worley, and her brother, Jesse Burke King.

Shirley was a resident of Arlington, Texas, for the past 22 years, where she continued to be a beacon of grace and wisdom to her community and family. Her home was a place of peace, prayer, and praise — where hymns were sung, stories shared, and faith nurtured.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM and graveside service at 1:00 PM.

In Shirley’s memory, let us carry forward her legacy of faith, humility, and kindness. She lived a life worthy of her calling, and now she rests in the arms of the One she served so faithfully.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:21