Shirley Ruth Byers

Shirley Ruth (Sutterfield) Byers, born May 21, 1945, in Wayne, Oklahoma, to Floyd and Bessie (Risenhoover) Sutterfield, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 80.

Shirley grew up in Wayne, where she learned the value of hard work as a farm girl-pulling cotton, stacking broom corn, and helping wherever she was needed. She graduated from Wayne High School and later earned her degree from Cameron University. She went on to dedicate 31 years to teaching middle school, shaping countless young lives with patience, humor, and a deep love for learning.

She married the love of her life, Johnnie Byers, on August 14, 1965, in Wayne, Oklahoma and together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Shirley was a proud wife, mom, and grandma, and nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her family-especially FaceTiming her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Shirley was a member of Tri Delta Gamma Sorority and lived out the spirit of sisterhood and service. She enjoyed quilting, crafting, music, and watching old westerns. She was an enthusiastic fan of OU softball and loved cheering on her team. In her younger years, she played basketball and softball in high school and later continued her love of the game on a church league.

A woman of deep faith, Shirley loved the Lord with all her heart. She found joy in singing and was a faithful member of her church choir, lifting her voice in praise every chance she had.

Shirley's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the many lives she brightened along the way.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Don Sutterfield, Charles Sutterfield; and sister, Carolyn Watkins.

Survivors include her husband, Johnnie; children: Sherrie Dotson and fiancé Neil Cheesman, John Byers and wife Kasey; grandchildren: Aubrey Bricker, Nicole Owens (Kevin Roberts), Jonithan Dotson (Emily), Bailey Huffman (Dylan), Kaden Byers; great-grandchildren: Aurora Bricker, Justice Bricker, Eein Newman, Zoey Owens, Ceryn Dotson, Kylan Byers, Keigan Byers, Grant Huffman, and Gunnar Huffman. She is also survived by her brother, Dexter Sutterfield, and sister-in-law, Carol Current (Lonnie).

The family will receive visitors Monday, April 27, at Whitt Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral services are planned for 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 28, at New Hope Baptist Church West with Rev. Randy Southerland officiating. Interment will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial donation to Samaritan's Purse.

Livestream of this funeral service is available at www.youtube.com/NewHopeDuncan.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.






 

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