On July 9, 1965 a baby girl was born to Vernon Sr. and Willie Mae Watson. Shirley attended Muskogee public schools. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and united with Faith Mission Church, under the leadership of Elder Hubert Lambert. At the time of her untimely departure she was a member of Sanders Chapel, under the leadership of Pastor Harrold Triggs.

In 1987 she met and married the love of her life. Lonnell Hopkins. This union was blessed with a son and they named him Adam. This union was later dissolved. She gave birth to a second son whom she named Jeremiah.

Shirley was quiet in nature, soft spoken with a beautiful smile. She loved to sing at church, which was a gift from God. She had a speech impairment when she was younger. Her favorite Gospel singers were Rance Allen, Shirley Caesar and Chris Wells. Her favorite song was "I Love to Praise Him". The term shop till you drop could have been her trademark. She loved shopping for clothes and accessories.

On June 27th at the age of 57 she got her wings. Those awaiting her arrival include her father, Vernon Sr., a brother, Vernon Jr., maternal grandparents, Hermon and Janie Dean, paternal grandparents, Thomas and Lois Watson, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Shirley is survived by her mother, Willie Mae Watson, sons, Adam Hopkins and Jeremiah Morrison, sisters, LaShaunda and Kimberly Watson, and brothers, Thomas and Conell Watson, grandchildren, Jayden and Malachi Hopkins and Jamear and Harmony Morrison. A host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, July 15, 2023 at  11:30 a.m. in Sanders Chapel Baptist Church, Muskogee, OK with Rev. Harold Triggs officiating.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home- Muskogee