Shirley Thedford Ellison

Today we celebrate the life of Shirley Thedford Ellison age 87. Jesus called Shirley home Wednesday February 26,2025 peacefully at home with her daughter Lisa and Son in Law Steve. Shirley Lou McDonald was born in Kilgore, Texas on December 8, 1937 to W.A. and Pearl McDonald. Shirley grew up in Kilgore and graduated from Kilgore High School in 1956 and attended college in Texarkana. 

Shirley married and moved to Union City, Tennessee and after 14 years they returned to Kilgore where she worked for Roy H. Laird Hospital for 20 years and later became a caregiver for her precious mama after her dad passed away. After the sudden tragic death of her only son Jason she was never the same. As one might imagine, her life would change forever. It took a terrible toll on her both mentally and physically. Shirley was saved at a very early age and loved the lord with all her heart. 

Shirley loved spending time with her family and her precious grandchildren. She loved hanging out with her girlfriends shopping and eating out. She and her husband loved eating out, listening to music and playing with their dog Bentley. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her mom and dad W.A and Pearl McDonald, her brother and sister-in-law W.L. and Elizabeth McDonald, and her son Jason Vickers.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 13 years Harold Ellison of San Angelo, Texas Daughter Lisa Clark and son in law Stephen of Longview; granddaughters, Allyson Honeycutt of Longview, Kasey Vickers of Troup; grandsons, Austin Honeycutt and wife Emily of Desoto, Texas and Joshua Vickers and wife Jessica of Sabine; great grandchildren, Taken, Enlen, and Chasen Vickers of Sabine and Kohen Vickers of Troup; daughter- in -law Sherry Sheridan of Longview, son in Law, James Honeycutt and wife Della and sister- in- law Joan Wessner of Tyler; niece Laura Strand of Kilgore and great Nieces, Amanda Hebert of Longview and Stephanie Dupree of Gladewater

A special thank you to my husband Steve for being the best caregiver anyone could ever ask for. He loved my mother so much and boy did she love him. As soon as her little eyes opened in the morning she wanted to know where he was. Though this journey wasn’t an easy one and at times very trying I am so thankful that I got to have her at home with us and spend each day loving her. 

Also, a special thank you to Marshall Hospice and Prime Care Hospice and all their amazing staff for the love and support they gave my mama. Thank you for allowing us to care for her at home and transition peacefully. 

This terrible disease DEMENTIA that robbed her of her life did not stop her from loving everyone and being loved by everyone. But today she has no more pain, no more suffering. She is rejoicing in heaven with all of her loved ones.

Services for Shirley Thedford Ellison of Longview will be 2:00 PM Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore with Rev. Ella Mae Walker and James Honeycutt officiating. The burial will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, March 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM; one hour prior to service.