Shirley Lynn Pittman Whiteside, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026. Shirley was born on Jan. 6, 1939, in Rosebud, Texas, to Roy D. Pittman and Effie Essie Hanley Pittman. She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dayton, Texas.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She deeply loved her sons and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world.
A lifelong equestrian, Shirley raised and bred horses and was the proud owner of Whiteside Stables. She enjoyed spending time with her horses and sharing her passion for the equestrian lifestyle with others. Shirley was also an active woman who loved playing tennis, bowling, pool, and golf. She enjoyed fishing, reading, family gatherings, and spending time playing card games, especially Solitaire. She also enjoyed trips to the casino and treasured the friendships and memories made along the way.
Shirley was recognized for her leadership and dedication to her community when she was elected President of the Beaumont Professional Women’s Association in 1976.
She had been a resident of Dayton for the past 15 years and was formerly a resident of China, Texas.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Jerrel “Jerry” Whiteside, Sr.; her sisters, Lois Corrigan and Joyce Huff; and her brothers, Roy Lester “PeeWee” Pittman and Billie D. Pittman.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Jerrel Whiteside, Jr. and wife Kathy, and Jody Whiteside and wife Connie; her brother, Johnny Pittman and wife Judy; her grandchildren, Carissa Harlan and husband John, Jerrel “Trey” Whiteside III, and Jesse Whiteside and wife Jocelyn; her great-grandchildren, Rhett Harlan, Haylee Harlan, Jackson Whiteside, Jetson Whiteside, and Jay Whiteside; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ken Davis officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jerrel Whiteside, Jr., Jody Whiteside, John Harlan, Rhett Harlan, Jesse Whiteside, Trey Whiteside, and Jackson Whiteside.
Shirley will be remembered for her love of family, her strength, her independent spirit, and the countless lives she touched throughout her years. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on through the family she cherished so dearly.