Shirley Jeaneen (Smith) Terrell

Shirley Jeaneen Terrell, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 23, 2024. To most, she was known as Jeaneen or Nene, but to her grandchildren she was lovingly known as Granny, and to her great grandchildren as Big Granny. These titles were what she was most proud of in life. She brought out the best in all of us and brightened our days with her big heart and her contagious laugh.

Jeaneen was born on September 26, 1942 in Aquilla, Texas to Ira Bradford and Bessie Louise Smith. She graduated from Fairy High School in 1961 where she was involved in many sports and clubs. She enjoyed competing in basketball and received an Honorable Mention, All-District Basketball Award. She was also named the F.F.A. Sweetheart, the Advisor for the Future Homemakers of America Club, and a member of the Choral Club. It comes as no surprise to those that knew her that she was also voted as Class Favorite at Fairy High School.

Jeaneen worked many jobs over the years. Some of her earliest jobs were in the healthcare field. She had a passion for caring for others. She worked as a Respiratory Therapist at Hillcrest Hospital and later worked in the chiropractic and dermatology fields. She then worked for Texas Barbecue Company in Valley Mills, Texas. After several years with this company, she returned to the healthcare field, and retired as a Nurses’ Aide from the Valley Mills Nursing Home.

Jeaneen loved nothing more than spending time with her family and loved ones. She took many trips with her family to some of her favorite destinations including Ruidoso, New Mexico and Navarre Beach, Florida. But everyone knows her favorite places to visit were casinos. She loved the thrill of playing slot machines alongside her family and friends. Her beloved dog, Angel, was her baby, and Jeaneen always made sure she was spoiled. She spent many nights playing cards with her family. We all loved playing cards with her just to see her excitement when she won. She brought beauty into the world with her gardening. She loved clothes and shoes and always looked forward to shopping trips. She found peace sitting on the back porch in the early mornings and evenings, drinking her coffee, and watching the deer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Bessie Smith; husband, Jack Terrell; sister, Doris Hodges; and brother, Roger Smith.

Jeaneen is survived by her sister, June Powers, and brothers, Aubrey Smith, Donnie Smith and wife Dot; sister-in-law, Patsy Smith; special niece, Elaine Langston; daughters, Melanie Smith and husband Kenny, Tammy Hays and husband Jerry; son, Travis Goodwin; granddaughters, Bonnie Sterling and husband Lance, Ashley Cluke and husband Frankie, Jamie Goodwin, and Emily Dale; grandsons, Jordan Hays and Kyle Goodwin; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Abby Swieczkowski, Matthew, Paige, and Emily Sterling, Georgia and Hudson Cluke, Lily, Marilyn, and Emmry Brooks, Hadley Hays, and Jaxson Goodwin.

She is also survived by stepson, Jerry Terrell and wife Tammy; stepdaughters, Debbie Williams and husband Theodore, and Karen Wimberly and husband Ronald; 15 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Hays, Kenny Smith, Frankie Cluke, Jordan Hays, Kyle Goodwin, Charles Collins, Lance Sterling, and Hudson Cluke.

Funeral services will be 11:00am, Friday, March 1st at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway, Texas. Burial will follow at China Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00pm, Thursday, February 29 at Grace Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ofobuike Okani, Nurse Practitioner, Rachel Ramsey, and the many wonderful staff members at Texas Oncology in Waco, Texas who took such wonderful care of her during her battle with leukemia. We also owe special thanks to Jeaneen’s granddaughter, Ashley, who helped her navigate her cancer journey and worked tirelessly to support and comfort her.