Telephone, Texas -- Rebecca Todd Shirley, 85, of Telephone, Texas, passed away on November 13, 2026 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas, after courageously fighting a battle with MS for many years. She was born on August 10, 1941 in Honey Grove, Texas to S.L. Todd and Maude Bartlett Todd.
Rebecca was a school teacher for many years, where she touched the lives of countless students. Following her years in education, she served as the Fannin County Indigent Healthcare Officer, continuing her dedication to helping others and serving her community.
Rebecca enjoyed researching family genealogy which included ancestral details beginning in 1735. She compiled these details into a book called, “The Roads Got Muddy – History of the TODD, DAVIS, WRIGHT, MASSEY, et.al.” She fancied stories of her early childhood days, wrote poetry, was quick to share strong, life-learned lessons and opinions, delighted in spending time with her good friends, and always had time to “let the world go by” from her back porch on the Todd Acre. Family and friends were always welcome to the back porch and her dinner table.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, S.L. Todd and Maude Todd; Older sister, Doris Ann Todd Dotson, Neice, Angela Dotson Pierce, nephew, Dwight Todd Dotson; and her son, Buster Jack Wilson, Jr. She was also preceded in death by husband, Aubrey Shirley.
Rebecca is survived by late son’s (Buster Jack Wilson, Jr.) children: Granddaughter Amber Wilson Pammet and family of Holt, Michigan; Grandson Brandon Todd Wilson and family of Lansing, Michigan; and Grandson, Khayman Wilson and family of Locust Grove, Virginia.
She is survived by her oldest daughter: Mary Ellen Wilson Walter and husband Roger Walter of Spring, Texas. Grandchildren: Heather Walter and family of Austin, Texas; Ryan Walter and family of Cypress, Texas; James Walter and family of Oxford, Mississippi.
Rebecca is also survived by youngest daughter: Rebecca Lynn Rogers and husband Greg Rogers of Warr Acres, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Holli Downs and family of Frisco, Texas; Richard Downs III and family of Lake Dallas, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at a later date, at Shiloh Cemetery, North of Honey Grove. No flowers please. Memorial may be sent to Shiloh Cemetery Association c/o Jimmy Newhouse 2438 CR 2730, Honey Grove, Texas 75446, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org
“Our love is growing strong
They still listen to the old songs and know
How wonderful it is they don’t have to just
Remember the Love that Still Lives On.”
Rebecca Todd
To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com
