Graham, Shirley Kathryn 
  	
GLADEWATER -- Shirley K. Graham died on Monday, January 
15, 2007, following a brief illness. Shirley was a member 
of the Church of Christ. She attended services regularly 
until her health prevented her participation. Her support 
of the church was unwavering, and her faith was strong. 
Shirley was born on April 10, 1913, in Smith County, Texas. 
She and her husband, Watt, moved to Gladewater in 1950. She 
and Watt called Gladewater their home for the rest of their 
lives. Shirley was a business woman who successfully 
operated the Big Sandy Skating Rink for many years. During 
those years, Shirley taught hundreds of children the joy of 
roller skating. Shirley was an accomplished skater who 
participated in many area competitions during the 1950s and 
1960s. While she operated the skating rink, Shirley could 
always find a pair of skates for those children who could not 
afford the price of admission. She always loved children, and 
her compassion for others was unbounded. Shirley was a 
sportswoman all of her life. Her first love was fishing. She 
was particularly fond of bass fishing. Many a large mouth bass 
found their way to her skillet. Shirley was a good golfer and 
loved the friendly competition. She and her husband, Watt, 
played on a daily basis for many years. Shirley scored several 
"hole-in-one" shots during her golfing career. Shirley was 
mentored in oil painting by her oldest daughter. She spent many 
hours at the canvas devoted to selxpression. Her paintings will 
be treasured by her family. Shirley was a selaught musician. Her 
first instrument was the harmonica. Later, she enjoyed playing 
the organ at her home for friends and family. Shirley and her 
husband, Watt, were two of Gladewater's greatest sports 
enthusiasts. For years, they never missed a football game at home 
or away. They were regular fixtures at the basketball games and 
track and field events. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving 
husband, Watt S. Graham; and son, Charles F. Colvin, both of 
Gladewater. She is survived by her daughters, Peggy A. McGinnes of 
Houston, and Peggy D. McCoy of Texarkana; daughter-in-law, Dee 
Colvin of Gladewater; and son, David R. Colvin of Gladewater. 
Shirley has 10 grandchildren, Mary Ann McDowell, Sabrina Setzler, 
and Laurina Allen, all of Gladewater; Jerry Loomis, Dorenda Cost, 
and Cole Hall, all of Houston; Angela Jehu and DeAnna Stone of 
Frisco; and Stacey Miller and Lee McCoy of Texarkana. There are 
21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services 
will be conducted by Croley Funeral Home, 401 N. Center St., 
Gladewater, TX. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on 
Wednesday, January 17, 2007, at the funeral home. A graveside 
service for the immediate family will be conducted at 2 p.m. on 
Thursday, January 17, 2007, at Gladewater Memorial Park.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 1/17/2007.