Obituary of SHIRLEY HONEYCUTT

Shirley Ann Barrentine Honeycutt was born in Tulsa, Ok on August 20, 1935 to Roy Lester Barrentine and Tommie Hazel Cutrell. The younger of 2 daughters, Shirley was only 3 when her father passed away. Her mother married Johnny Watkins and, together, they finished raising Shirley and her sister, Barbara. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, as well. Shirley met Mr. Fred Honeycutt in Tulsa and they married when she was just 17. They had 3 daughters: Vivian Sue Wilks, Donna Gale Taylor, and Tara Lynn Davis. Thus was the beginning of the legacy that made her so proud. Shirley was grandmother to 9: Holly Gordon, Shirlynn Mitchell, Annie Hall, Travis Taylor, Christopher Davis, Cory Taylor, Amanda Linker, Rachel Parker, and Jackie Taylor. She was great-grandmother to 9 girls: Ciera, Avery, Eden, Kennedy, Marley, Presley, Aubrey, Ashlynn, Brionna, and Brynlee. And also 6 boys: Bryce, Roman, Elijah, Isaiah, Bryar, and Brody. These children, these babies, were the life force that drove Shirley Honeycutt. Each and every one of them was her favorite. Just ask themshe whispered it to each of them every time she handed over a few "secret" dollars or her latest flea market find. What I can tell you about Shirley is what all of you already know. She was a simple, down-to-earth woman and was never pretentious. She never met a stranger. It didn't matter if you were a doctor or just sat next to her on the city bus, you were just another friend as far as she was concerned. She didn't wear make-up or lots of jewelry or fancy clothes. She preferred a silver-dime wedding band that Fred made himself, over shiny diamonds or gold. She never had a driver's license, but she could back a camp trailer into its spot better than most. She wasn't a gourmet chef, but she knew how to cook anything that Fred brought home, from fish and deer to rabbit and turkey. She was more comfortable at a campfire than a fancy restaurant, and would rather pass her time at a rummage sale than the mall anytimewhich was really kind of a blessing to everyone else because when you DID take her to the mall, you knew you would spend the majority of your time there just trying to find her again. I hear it could never really be proven, but there was many a department store excursion where some of you were certain she was intentionally hiding, just out of sight, so she didn't have to leave yet. Actually, I heard, there were even some times you could lose her in the local QuikTrip. Born in the middle of the Great Depression, Shirley learned to appreciate the most important thing in life: simply spending time with others. She enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. She never minded being with the children, whether she was babysitting for a friend or enjoying her own grandchildren. When the family would gather for a new birth, she wanted to be the one right up front, next to the glass, when they brought the baby in. She appreciated her time with others. She walked many a mile just to get to a flea market or Five & Dime. She'd walk the grandkids downtown to see a movie or watch the ice skaters or just grab a coney. Along the way she'd point out all the places she USED to spend time with those she lovedthis house or that theater; her grandfather's apartment; a favorite restaurant. Her countless flea market purchases were rarely for herself. She always had someone else in mind when she bought something. She was lucky enough that all her children, and then their children, were never far away; and they were lucky enough that she always wanted to gather where they were. Even if that was in the middle of the kitchen, right in front of the oven, when you were trying to put the finishing touches on Thanksgiving Dinner! Shirley Ann Honeycutt-wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother- left this earthly life on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 76 years of age. The way Shirley Ann Honeycutt passed from this earth was a true testament to the way she lived and what she meant to those who are living. Nobody expected that call early Saturday morning that she was suddenly very ill, but EVERYONE came to her side that day without hesitationSue, Donna, Terriethe grandkids, the great-grandchildren, and Fred. Just as she had been there each and every time someone called upon herthose same loved ones came running to surround her with love, to hold her hand, to give her comfort. You all had a good teacherShirley. In her last hours, she was fortunate enough to harvest the seeds of love, compassion, and devotion she'd planted and so lovingly cultivated in each and every one of you. Shirley may physically be gone from you, and your hearts will forever grieve, but remember that she will still always be with you. Every time you remember a special moment with her, or hear a song that reminds you of that sly grin of hersshe will be with you. Part of her lives on in the very fibers of each of you and your own children and grandchildren. For that, rejoice. Hold on to the happy memories and appreciate each other the way she appreciated you. These are the times you'll know she's with you.