Bonham, Texas -- Shirley Atkins McWhorter, 82, of Bonham, Texas, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Shirley was born in Athens, Texas, on May 2, 1944, to Truman and Velma Morris Atkins. She was a lifelong resident of Bonham and a 1962 graduate of Bonham High School. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Shirley’s kindness, steady presence, and willingness to help others reflected the love of Christ in her daily life. Her life was a quiet testimony to God’s goodness, and she spent many hours each day in prayer for her country, church, family, and friends. She was lovingly known as “Mimi” and was the family’s prayer warrior.

Her children and grandchildren always knew she would faithfully pray for them through relationships, school challenges, job changes, and life’s many milestones.
Shirley lovingly quilted blankets for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they were born, and in her later years, she crocheted afghans for her children and grandchildren. Her legacy of strength, love, faith, and kindness will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.

Shirley was an active member of First Baptist Church Bonham for over 80 years and read completely through the Bible each year for more than 50 years. She loved her Sunday School class, Sadie’s Willing Workers, and gathering with friends to play Joker. Operation Christmas Child, an initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, was a ministry she deeply valued. Each year, she crocheted hundreds of scarves and made needlepoint crosses for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. She also collected toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to support this ministry, contributing through First Baptist Church Bonham, Telephone Baptist Church, and Lakeshore Baptist Church in Lake Dallas, Texas.

In addition, Shirley was involved in the After Work Planters Garden Club, served for many years on the Camp Wohaleto Board, and was a Cub Scout leader. She was also a devoted employee of Carter Chevrolet for 38 years.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Truman and Velma Atkins; her son, Mike McWhorter; and her sister, Beverly Atkins Akard.

She is survived by her son, Morris McWhorter (Ruthann) of Telephone, Texas; her daughter, Mary Lou Fox (Ken) of Bonham; and her sister, Jan Atkins Holman. Mimi was blessed with six grandchildren: Nathan McWhorter (Afton), Matt McWhorter (Miranda), Mychael McWhorter, Alex Howell (Erik), Ethan Fox (Maddie), and Kaitlyn Rose (Garrett). She delighted in her great-grandchildren: Emilee and Brady McWhorter, Marlee McWhorter, Axtyn Ferguson, Jodie Fox, Knox, Tate and Tucker Rose, and Drew Howell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Bonham for Operation Christmas Child/ Samaritan’s Purse. Even in the final weeks of her life, Shirley continued crocheting scarves for this ministry that meant so much to her.

To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com