Shirley Idell Smelley

It is with both heartbreak and deep gratitude that we say goodbye to Shirley Idell Smelley, who passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 82. A force to be reckoned with, Shirley lived life unapologetically and loved with her whole being. If she loved you, you knew it. She showed up, stood by, fought for, and gave everything she had to the people who mattered most. Her heart was vast, protective, and wildly generous. She was happiest at the beach and when she was with her family.

Shirley was born on Tuesday, October 6, 1942, to Wyman and Vera Smelley in Goose Creek, Texas. She was raised in Camden, Texas, and graduated from Chester High School. She passed away in Houston, where she lived and worked all of her adult life.

Shirley is survived by her children: Suzanne Whitworth Martin and her husband Don; Connie Whitworth Haas and her husband Greg; Johnny Whitworth and his wife Laura.

She was “Grannie” to Tim and Eric; Ashlie and Jamie (and husband Ryan); Holly, Josh, Sam, and Mary Katherine (and husband Price). She was “Great-Grannie” to Anna Claire, Jansen, John, Macy, Leo, Quinn, William, and Whit.

Shirley was raised with seven brothers and sisters and is survived by: Susan Hubbard (husband Hal), Ann Standley, Debra Vitanza (husband Vic), and Dollie Maske (husband Gary), and first partner-in-crime Devoe Smelley. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, as well as her brother, Allen Ray and Rex, her brother-in-law Gerald, her beloved niece Shana, and her life-long best friend, Belva Bailey. Her many nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren will also miss their Aunt Shirley. Family friends who are like family, Vicki Traylor and Lisa Belvins, and co-conspirators, Tom O’Reilly and Bobby Fielding also mourn her passing.

We will gather to celebrate her life Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Carroway Funeral Home Corrigan. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers or other tributes, please consider a contribution in Shirley’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and SE Texas Chapter, 6055 S. Loop E., Houston, Texas 77087.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Corrigan, directors.