Shirley Fletcher Atkinson, 93, of Lawton passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2024 after succumbing to cancer, with her family lovingly by her side. She was born on August 7, 1930 to Claude and Gladys Fletcher in Aurora, Illinois. She graduated from West High School and attended St. Francis of Xavier College.

Shirley met the love of her life, William (Bill) John Atkinson, at a church gathering and they married on August 22, 1953 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Aurora. Shirley and Bill went on to have eight children: Dan, David, Darryl, Diane, Dean, Dirk, Darcy, and Doug. She lovingly supported Bill during medical school, a U.S. Public Health Service internship and surgical residency. Upon completion of his training, he was assigned to the U.S. Public Health Service at Lawton Indian Hospital and later entered private practice. Shirley worked as his office manager and enjoyed visiting and helping his many patients.

Shirley enjoyed traveling, cooking, caring for her rose garden and spending time with family, friends and her standard poodles. When time allowed, Shirley fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher and graduated from Cameron University with a B.S. in Home Economics and a minor in Chemistry. She then taught at Chattanooga High School which she thoroughly enjoyed and was loved by her students. She planned many family vacations to KOA campgrounds, Padre Island, Aspen and to the opening of Walt Disney World. She and Bill continued their love of traveling by visiting Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, and many other destinations.

In her later years, she continued her lifelong enjoyment of meeting new people and helping others. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Southwestern Medical Center Auxiliary. She and her late husband participated in the Allied Officer program at Fort Sill hosting officers and their families from many countries including Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Columbia, and India.

She is survived by her children: Daniel Atkinson, DDS and his wife Elaine; David Atkinson; Darryl Atkinson, D.O.; Diane Hammann and husband John; Dean Atkinson, M.D. and wife  Julie; Dirk Atkinson; Darcy Capps and husband Gilmer; grandchildren: Justin Atkinson; Michael and Marcus Atkinson, Melissa Mansel; Denise and Douglas Hammann, Danielle Trachel; Claire, William Tate and Samuel Atkinson; Lendsie Lovren, Kelsey Ballou, Brady Dangilan, Brielle Ferguson, Girard and Holden Capps; and twenty one great grandchildren; and sisters Marilyn Rushing and Claudia Baldwin. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, William John Atkinson, her son, Douglas Paul, granddaughter, Hillari Krueger, along with two sisters, Dorothy Schulze and Joyce Gillette, and her parents.

Memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lawton with Rev. Philip Seeton pastor officiating.

Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be made in memory of  Shirley to Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund or the Society of  St. Vincent de Paul, 1010 NW 82nd Street, Lawton OK 73505.