Shirley Jean (Jeanne) Erwin

Shirley Jean Erwin departed this life early on the morning of July 31, 2024. It was just like her to not allow any grass to grow under her feet, and on that Wednesday, the last day of the month, she eagerly stepped out of this life into an eternity with no more sorrow or pain. No more of the worry she was so good at, only peace in the arms of Jesus.

All are invited to a celebration of her long, fulfilling life on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 11:00 at First United Methodist Church Chapel, Midland, Texas.  The family will welcome friends immediately following the service at a reception given in her honor.

Jeanne was born to Marie and Buck Jackson on April 8, 1935, in Pecos, Texas.  She grew up and went to high school there and went on to Texas Western University, UTEP,  where she met Ronald Erwin.  They were married after graduating and moved to California.  They would go on to have three sons, but she demanded that Ron move her back to Texas first so that all her children would be Texans. All the boys are very grateful!  Ron and Jeanne celebrated 63 years of marriage before his passing in 2021.

Jeanne received her Master’s Degree in Education and taught school in El Paso, Texas, Quitman, Texas and Midland, Texas before retiring after many years of service.  Upon retiring she became very active in the Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, better known at the time as Pink Ladies.  She volunteered mostly in the gift shop, and we have the “Beanie Babies” to prove it.  She also loved playing Bridge and had many wonderful friends through Bridge Club.  To say she loved it is a bit of an understatement; she made plans around Bridge Club.

Her legacy began with her grandfather, Joe Bickley, who was a Methodist Minister and Circuit Rider. He preached from San Saba, Texas to El Paso, Texas and many towns in between.  She was a member at First United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School class until just a little over a year ago when her voice became a whisper.  She enjoyed quilting and made many quilts as gifts for her children and grandchildren to treasure and remember.  Jeanne is survived by her children Jack Erwin and wife LaVonda, Chet Erwin and wife Lisa, Doug Erwin and wife Christy, six grandchildren, Hannah Erwin and husband Alex, Luke Erwin, Andrew Erwin and wife Nicole, Chris Erwin, Hali Carson and McKenzie Cole.  She had four great grandchildren, Charlee Erwin, Harper Briggs, Jackson Erwin and Levi Erwin.  She is also survived by her sister Patsy Bowles of Midland who visited her at Manor Park every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and many nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Arthur “Bubba” Jackson and her husband Ron.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful nurses at Manor Park.  We spent many nights there, playing Rummikub with mom, and made lasting friendships.  They loved her well and have become family over the last year.

Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Proverbs 31:25-29

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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