JoDell Myrick of Sterling City, Texas flew peacefully into the arms of heaven on January 5, 2023 from Shannon Hospital in San Angelo. She was 83.
JoDell was born on November 15, 1939 in Loraine, Mitchell County, Texas to James H. Shelburne and Mary Wade Stewart. She graduated from Coahoma High School as valedictorian of the BullDog Class of 1958. She then graduated from Howard County Junior College where she was a cheerleader and a member of the basketball team. She made many lifetime friends from her time at HCJC.
From there, she went to North Texas State University where she earned her teaching degree, majoring in English. JoDell began her teaching career at Sterling City High School and taught there for almost thirty years. She went back to North Texas State during many summer breaks to attain her library certification. She eventually became the head librarian at the Sterling City schools until her retirement.
JoDell met her future husband Bobby Myrick in the fifth grade and they were married on October 28, 1961 at the Presbyterian Church in Coahoma. They were married for 42 years before his passing in 2004. Bobby’s less than stellar use of the English language was a constant source of an eye roll or two from JoDell.
She was an avid reader, whether it be books, magazines, or newspapers and she could not help but to clip out articles for future reference. She loved to go on long rides through the countryside with Bobby to see the wildflowers and enjoy the beautiful scenery. She was a huge Elvis fan and often boasted of seeing him in concert in her younger days. JoDell and Bobby joined several bowling leagues through the years and even brought home her share of trophies. She was a fateful supporter of her sons’ athletic endeavors and liked to wear purple to show her Eagle Pride. She later became an avid fan of all sports from football to gymnastics and could tell you the names of all the players on both teams. She was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority and the Presbyterian Women’s organization.
She is survived by her brother Dan Shelburne and wife Paula of Coahoma; her sister-in-law Peggy Bishop of Midland; sons Bruce and wife Joy of Sterling City, David of San Angelo, and James and wife Sheryl of Arlington. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Shaunna, Whitney, Shayna, Gregory, and Jessica, as well as great grandchildren Addi, Grady, Crosby, Harper, and Hudson, along with dear friend Jim Johnson.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Sterling County Nursing Home for their attentive care over the last several years.
Graveside services will be held at the Coahoma Cemetery Tuesday, January 10th at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Monday, January 9th at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to the Sterling County Public Library.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com
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