October 31, 1934 - August 4, 2023
A celebration of the life of Shirley Anne Nelson, 88, of Enid, Oklahoma, will be at 1 PM Friday,
September 1 st , 2023 at Central Christian Church. Susan Payne will officiate. Arrangements are under the
direction of Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Shirley was born in Enid, Oklahoma on October 31, 1934 to Joe and June Franks. She grew up in Enid and
graduated from Enid High School. Shirley attended Monticello and graduated from University of
Oklahoma majoring in journalism in 1956. She was a member Pi Beta Phi and the society editor of the
Norman Transcript.
She married Craig Nelson on September 8, 1956. After graduating the couple moved back to Enid.
Shirley was very involved in her community. She was president of Junior Welfare League, was a member
of PEO, Weed & Seed Garden Club, and was active with YWCA. She served on the board of Hedges
Regional Speech and Hearing and was the Executive Secretary of the Grand National Quail Club. Shirley
was also a member of Central Christian Church.
Shirley is survived by her five children: Tracy and David Webb, and their daughters Lauren and Taylor;
Kristi Abney and her sons, John Calvin, and Ben; Lori Burgess and her daughter Haley; Carrie and Kyle
House and their children Trent and Tessa; and Chip and Kandi Nelson and their children Gunnar and
Emily. Shirley was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is also
survived by her sister, Janie Lackey of Enid.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Traditions Hospice team for their
loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance or Central Christian Church.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
